Quote Originally Posted by HerbM View Post
Speaking of wrapping hands correctly (and yes, there are a bunch of ways to do it correctly and even more ways to do it badly), here are the GOALS:

1) Hold the 4 bones of the hand (metacarpals) together as a UNIT -- the idea is when you bind sticks together into a bundle, it is MUCH harder to break them than individually -- they don't need to be "tight" just SNUG and UNITIZED.

2) Lock the thumb in so that it doesn't get ripped down toward the wrist (some training gloves have a strap that HELPS reduce the risk of this). I personally learned the value of this practice when striking another boxer's glove who was also trying to hit me: his fist hit MY THUMB.

3) Strength the wrist itself to prevent it "breaking" over -- not so much 'bone break' as the just sudden collapse of the muscles and tendons which just hurts like all get-out and frequently leaves a nagging injury.

4) Pad the knuckles a little more -- the LEAST important point, but the one most people (especially newbies) seem to think is the whole point.

Negative goals (i.e., things to AVOID):

1) Making the wrap too tight, especially at the knuckles/hand so that the circulation is impaired -- usually this is only a problem for people new to wrapping or when wrapping some else's hands.

2) Too much material in the PALM of the hand (too much material in palm prevents CLOSING the hand properly) - therefore, most X-cross wraps should go over the back of the hand.


Also, many people like to "look the wrap in" with wraps BETWEEN the fingers. There is nothing technically wrong about this (I like to do it too), as LONG AS you don't spread the bones of the hand out by doing it excessively so as to ruin #1 Goal (above) by adding space between the 4 hand bones (metacarpals) while doing this.

Feel free to add your thoughts or correct any mistake you think I am making above....

--
HerbM
I personally do not suggest wrapping your hands between the knuckles if yu are not familiar with what you are doing...Personally I also do not think that excessive wrap is needed...I see guys all the time using these wraps that are about 8 feet long thinking they will do a better job...The wrap is just to keep the hand protected and help prevent injury they are not going to prevent everything..make you hit harder....make it so you can not get hurt etc...all the things some guys tend to not understand..

Years ago when I first started coaching as an amateur I actually went to clinics that taught you how to do these things for your fighters...And then you pick up tricks of your own over time.,,,plus each fighter likes it a bit different or becauser of hand injuries need it wrapped a certain way in certain places....

I was more or less giving advice for a new guy like he explained...Kind of keep it simple...when you learn more then try the others...I agree 100% about going between the fingers with wraps...if not done correct you make bigger problems then prevent...especially when circulation is cut off like you mentioned....Your hands go numb a bit and can have an injury though probably minor that you do not realize and keep hitting the bag sparring etc then later after it is off realize your hurt