Alright, let’s talk about a fundamental part of stepping into the boxing world: hand wraps. These aren’t just fancy bandages; they’re your first line of defense against injuries that can sideline you before you even get a solid jab in.
Many people think wraps are complicated, but with a little practice, you’ll be securing your hands like a pro. Today, we’re focusing on the trusty Everlast wraps, a popular choice for good reason. They offer a great blend of support and comfort, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned fighters alike.
Getting this right is crucial. Properly wrapped hands distribute impact, protect your knuckles, wrists, and even your metacarpals. It’s about building a solid foundation for your punches and ensuring longevity in your training. Let’s get to it!
Why Hand Wraps Are Non-Negotiable
Before we get into the ‘how,’ let’s quickly touch on the ‘why.’ Your hands are complex structures. They contain numerous small bones, tendons, and ligaments that are surprisingly vulnerable to the repetitive, high-impact nature of boxing. When you throw a punch, especially with force, the shockwave travels up your arm.
Without proper support, this shock can lead to:
- Knuckle injuries: Bruises, fractures, and even dislocations.
- Wrist sprains and strains: Overextension or twisting can cause significant pain and immobility.
- Metacarpal fractures: The bones in the palm of your hand are particularly susceptible.
- Swelling and bruising: Immediate discomfort that can hinder training.
Hand wraps act as a supportive cast, stabilizing your wrist and metacarpals while padding your knuckles. They absorb some of the impact and ensure your hand stays in a strong, neutral position when you strike. Think of them as the essential scaffolding for your boxing power.
Understanding Your Everlast Wraps
Everlast offers a few types of hand wraps, but the most common are the traditional elasticated cloth wraps, typically 180 inches long. These wraps are designed to stretch slightly, providing a snug, conforming fit. You’ll notice they have a thumb loop to help you get started and a Velcro closure at the end for security.
Key features to look for on your Everlast wraps: (See Also: Are Muay Thai Gloves The Same As Boxing Gloves )
- Thumb loop: This is your starting point.
- Velcro closure: For a secure, adjustable finish.
- Length: 180 inches is standard and suitable for most adults. Shorter lengths might be available for smaller hands, but 180 inches offers ample coverage.
- Material: Typically a blend of cotton and spandex or polyester for durability and stretch.
It’s also worth noting the importance of keeping your wraps clean. After each session, let them air dry completely before rolling them back up to prevent mildew and odor.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put on Boxing Hand Wraps Everlast
This is where the magic happens. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts look a bit messy. Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be wrapping your hands in under a minute.
Step 1: The Starting Point – the Thumb Loop
Lay the wrap flat with the thumb loop facing you. Slide your thumb through the loop. This is your anchor point, and it should feel snug but not constricting. Ensure the wrap is on the inside of your hand, with the bulk of the material extending towards your wrist.
Step 2: Around the Wrist – Building Foundation
Bring the wrap around your wrist. You want to do at least two full revolutions around your wrist. This is crucial for wrist support. Make sure each pass is snug, pulling the material taut. The goal here is stability, not cutting off circulation. Two to three wraps around the wrist is a good starting point.
Step 3: Across the Knuckles – Padding Is Key
Now, bring the wrap back across the palm of your hand and over the top of your knuckles. You want to create a protective barrier directly over the knobby bits. Make sure you cover all your knuckles evenly. This is where the bulk of the impact is absorbed.
Step 4: The Figure-Eight – Securing the Hand
This is where the wrap starts to take its supportive shape. From the knuckles, bring the wrap down between your index and middle finger, then back up and around your wrist. Then, bring it back across the knuckles, going through the space between your middle and ring finger. You’re essentially creating a figure-eight pattern that cradles your hand and knuckles.
- First knuckle pass: Over the knuckles, down between fingers (e.g., index and middle), and back up around the wrist.
- Second knuckle pass: Across the knuckles again, this time through the next finger space (e.g., middle and ring), and back up around the wrist.
Repeat this figure-eight motion. You want to ensure ample padding over the knuckles. The exact number of figure-eights can vary depending on your hand size and how much padding you prefer, but typically two to three passes over the knuckles and between the fingers will suffice. (See Also: Can You Wrestle In Boxing Shoes )
Step 5: Between the Fingers – Essential Protection
As you perform the figure-eight, pay close attention to the spaces between your fingers. You’ll want to thread the wrap through each space to provide padding and separation. This helps prevent your fingers from splaying awkwardly on impact and protects the delicate skin between them.
- Pass between index and middle finger.
- Pass between middle and ring finger.
- Pass between ring and pinky finger.
Ensure the wrap lies flat against your skin in these areas, not bunched up. This might require a bit of adjustment as you go.
Step 6: The Final Touches – Securing the Wrap
Once you’ve covered your knuckles and padded between your fingers sufficiently, you’ll bring the remaining wrap back towards your wrist. You’ll likely have some wrap left for a final few revolutions around your wrist to lock everything in place. The goal is to create a solid, supportive unit.
Finally, use the Velcro closure to secure the end of the wrap. It should be snug enough that it won’t unravel during training but not so tight that it restricts blood flow. You should be able to wiggle your fingers freely, though they will feel firmly supported.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with a guide, it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Too loose: If your wraps feel floppy or aren’t providing support, they’re too loose. This defeats the purpose and can lead to injury. Re-wrap and pull tighter.
- Too tight: Numbness, tingling, or a blueish tint to your fingers are signs of wraps that are too tight. This is dangerous as it restricts blood flow. Loosen immediately.
- Uneven padding: Ensure your knuckles are well-padded. If one knuckle feels more exposed than others, adjust the wrap to provide more coverage there.
- Ignoring the wrist: The wrist is just as important as the knuckles. Don’t skimp on the wrist wraps; they need to be solid.
- Not using the thumb loop correctly: Starting with the thumb loop on the inside of your hand is key to a proper wrap.
Tip: If you’re struggling to get even coverage, try watching a video demonstration. Seeing the figure-eight motion in action can be incredibly helpful.
Practice Makes Permanent (and Protected!)
The best way to get good at wrapping your hands is to do it regularly. Before every sparring session, bag work, or even heavy pad training, take the time to wrap your hands correctly. You’ll start to develop a feel for the right amount of tension and the best way to position the wrap for your specific hand shape. (See Also: Is Everlast Good Boxing Gloves )
After a few weeks of consistent practice, you’ll find yourself becoming much quicker and more confident in your wrapping abilities. It becomes second nature, allowing you to focus on your technique and power without worrying about your hands.
When to Consider Professional Help or Alternatives
If you consistently struggle with hand wraps, experience pain even after wrapping, or have pre-existing wrist or hand conditions, it might be worth consulting with a boxing coach or a physical therapist. They can assess your technique and hand structure to offer personalized advice.
For some, traditional wraps can be time-consuming. This has led to the development of inner gloves or gel wraps. These are essentially padded gloves worn under your boxing gloves. They offer a quicker alternative, though many traditionalists argue they don’t provide the same level of customizable support as traditional wraps. Everlast also offers these alternatives, so if time is a major constraint, it’s something to consider.
However, for the fundamental protection and the feel of a properly secured hand, mastering the traditional wrap is a rite of passage in boxing. It’s an investment in your safety and your boxing journey.
Conclusion
You’ve now got the blueprint for how to put on boxing hand wraps Everlast. Remember, consistency is your best friend here. The more you practice, the more natural and effective your wrapping will become.
Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Focus on covering your knuckles well and providing solid support for your wrists. This simple step is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect yourself in the ring.
With properly wrapped hands, you can focus on honing your technique, building your power, and enjoying your boxing journey with greater confidence and significantly reduced risk of injury. Happy wrapping and happy training!
