Post by kathyskor on Jan 20, 2010 8:13:32 GMT -5
Today's topic is handwraps. Next to a good pair of gloves, this is one of the most important things to ensure you have in boxing. You need to protect the most valuable asset the fighter has....
In just starting out, many people will be drawn to the 'quick-wrap' or glove type wraps that are quick and easy to put on. These are typically some type of gel glove and Everlast offers them in the Ever Gel series. While I do own them, I typically do not use them under my gloves. I have found them effective when working the speed bag without gloves, but for me they do not provide enough support when doing bag work, mitts or sparring. There are 2 styles that you can consider. The first and most common is the full glove type which has Velcro straps around the wrist and back of the hand. The second is actually more of a neoprene piece that fits between the fingers and has 180 inches of handwrap attached. These will allow a little more support as you are actually doing some wrapping in conjunction with the half glove style.
The most common handwrap that is used is the 'Mexican style' handwrap. They come in various lengths so when you purchase them be careful and sure to get the longest which is 180 inches by 2 inches. These wraps are typically a cotton/polyester blend and have some stretch to them. They have a hook and loop Velcro closure which makes it easy to fasten them. There are other raps that are 100% cotton but they do not have any give and can be restrictive when you glove up. The 180 inches allows you enough to wrap the knuckles several times, between the fingers and multiple times around the wrist, giving you extra support there. I personally like the Everlast wraps the best but find that the Velcro tends to wear out more quickly. They are of course, priced a little higher.
As with all boxing equipment, the best place to get your wraps is on-line. They range anywhere from $3.99 to $9.99 and if you can get them on sale you are even better off. You can get a pair of the Everlasts for $6.99-$7.99 on-line. This is for the 180 inches. If you go to your local sporting goods store, such as Dicks, the 180 inch raps can run over $10 for a pair if you can find them. Be careful not to mistake the 108 inch junior wraps for the longer ones.
As far as wrapping technique, there are many videos and U Tube clips out there that can help you. It seems everyone has their own style. I prefer a wrap that goes between the fingers and ends with multiple crosses down at the wrist to give me maximum support. With any wrap you need to be sure that they are snug but do not cut off your circulation. As the power of my punches started to increase (that's what happens when you learn to throw a punch correctly with your legs and trunk!), I found the need for more wrist support. I also use a couple of layers of boxing tape around the wrist and thumb for a little extra support on top of the wraps. Professional boxers may wrap the hands directly with the tape but it does hurt when you pull it off.
This is just some basic information on wraps to help get you started. Hope it is valuable. In later posts we will examine specific brands of wraps....
In just starting out, many people will be drawn to the 'quick-wrap' or glove type wraps that are quick and easy to put on. These are typically some type of gel glove and Everlast offers them in the Ever Gel series. While I do own them, I typically do not use them under my gloves. I have found them effective when working the speed bag without gloves, but for me they do not provide enough support when doing bag work, mitts or sparring. There are 2 styles that you can consider. The first and most common is the full glove type which has Velcro straps around the wrist and back of the hand. The second is actually more of a neoprene piece that fits between the fingers and has 180 inches of handwrap attached. These will allow a little more support as you are actually doing some wrapping in conjunction with the half glove style.
The most common handwrap that is used is the 'Mexican style' handwrap. They come in various lengths so when you purchase them be careful and sure to get the longest which is 180 inches by 2 inches. These wraps are typically a cotton/polyester blend and have some stretch to them. They have a hook and loop Velcro closure which makes it easy to fasten them. There are other raps that are 100% cotton but they do not have any give and can be restrictive when you glove up. The 180 inches allows you enough to wrap the knuckles several times, between the fingers and multiple times around the wrist, giving you extra support there. I personally like the Everlast wraps the best but find that the Velcro tends to wear out more quickly. They are of course, priced a little higher.
As with all boxing equipment, the best place to get your wraps is on-line. They range anywhere from $3.99 to $9.99 and if you can get them on sale you are even better off. You can get a pair of the Everlasts for $6.99-$7.99 on-line. This is for the 180 inches. If you go to your local sporting goods store, such as Dicks, the 180 inch raps can run over $10 for a pair if you can find them. Be careful not to mistake the 108 inch junior wraps for the longer ones.
As far as wrapping technique, there are many videos and U Tube clips out there that can help you. It seems everyone has their own style. I prefer a wrap that goes between the fingers and ends with multiple crosses down at the wrist to give me maximum support. With any wrap you need to be sure that they are snug but do not cut off your circulation. As the power of my punches started to increase (that's what happens when you learn to throw a punch correctly with your legs and trunk!), I found the need for more wrist support. I also use a couple of layers of boxing tape around the wrist and thumb for a little extra support on top of the wraps. Professional boxers may wrap the hands directly with the tape but it does hurt when you pull it off.
This is just some basic information on wraps to help get you started. Hope it is valuable. In later posts we will examine specific brands of wraps....