Boxing bandages are a small thing that can determine the outcome of a fight

Boxing is a dangerous sport, so the first thing a beginner is taught is how to wrap boxing bandages. Many people don’t understand why they should pay so much attention to this issue if wrestling is just a hobby for them. But first of all, it is important for health to wrap the bandages correctly. This protective measure saves professional athletes and novice students from serious injuries.

In every sport there is a risk of injury, but a bandaged hand reduces this risk. Correct fixation allows you to avoid cracks and fractures of the hand, joints, and tendon sprains. There is another reason to wrap boxing bandages around your hand - to strengthen the blow.

Boxers and athletes who engage in other types of wrestling: kickboxing, Muay Thai, should bandage their hands correctly. Let's look at the types of tapes and the criteria for their selection, and ways to wrap boxing bandages.

Boxing bandages: briefly about the main thing

Boxing bandages are used in martial arts to fix the wrist joints in their natural state, as well as to protect the skin of the hands from damage. They also significantly reduce the load on the wrist knuckles when striking.

Another benefit is that the gloves will last longer. This is due to the fact that the sweat released is absorbed into the bandages, and does not affect the material from which the gloves are made. Despite their name, boxing wraps are actively used in many other types of martial arts: from MMA to kickboxing.

Headband

They can often be seen on tennis players. At first glance, it may seem that this is just a fashion accessory that complements the look, but this is not entirely true.

Elena:

The tennis strip absorbs beads of sweat on the forehead during play so they don't get in the way, and can also keep bangs in check.

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Often such a strip is called a “bandage” or “bandana”. In addition to its functional purpose, it can become an accessory and complement your sporty look. It is easy to combine with different clothes, because the headbands can be of different colors and different compositions.

In windy weather, it is better to wear a model made of dense material, such as wool. A nylon bandana is suitable for indoor activities. It is thin, but practically does not absorb moisture.

Historical facts

The prototype of boxing bandages is considered to be wrappings on the wrists - cestus (belts made of bull skin), which have been used since ancient times. The gladiator wrapped his hands with them before the fight. With the help of bandages, he could cause more damage to his opponent. At the same time, the cestus allowed the fighter to prevent damage to the skin of the hands, and also protected his wrists from various types of injuries and fractures.

In the era of Ancient Greece and Rome, the use of cestuses was improved - lead ingots, plates with spikes, and heels began to be inserted between the layers of winding. But in this case, the hands were first wrapped with thin pieces of fabric, and then with leather belts. A similar technique for protecting hands was mainly practiced by gladiators during mortal battles that took place in amphitheater arenas.

However, there is evidence that hand bandages were used much earlier. For example, in references to Homer (688 BC), Olympic pugilists also used strips of fabric for cestus. However, in those days, metal pads were not placed between the belts to enhance the impact.

It is known that fist fights were very popular among the Scandinavians. There public fights were called “holmgang”. Their distinctive feature was that the fighters were allowed to use weapons. The reason for holding a holmgang could be: personal hostility, a land issue, or when you simply liked your neighbor’s wife.

In Eddic poetry there are references to men also bandaging their fists with cloth before a fight. There is no information about exactly what role the windings played in this case. The fighters probably pursued the same goal - reducing the risk of injury. Closer to the late Middle Ages, mentions of Holmgang disappear.

In addition, there is information that in the times of medieval Rus', where fist fights were the folk pastime of young men, their hands were also wrapped in strips of fabric. First of all, this was done to protect the joints and knuckles. Secondly, to minimize damage to the opponent. That is, in Rus', the use of fabric cuts was an intermediate option between wrist bandages and boxing gloves.

Are your hands properly bandaged?

A correctly wound bandage fits comfortably to the hand and does not interfere with its rotation; When the hand is unclenched, the bandage does not compress the hand; when it is clenched, it tightens the hand well. A bandage that is wound too tightly can cause the hand to become numb and swollen, while a bandage that is wound too loosely can cause it to become dislodged.

Every athlete should know how to wrap boxing bandages and be able to do it independently , since only he himself can feel the tension of the bandage and the tightness of the winding. And high-quality bandaging is protection from injuries to his hands.

Types of boxing bandages

Boxing bandages, depending on the material from which they are made, are divided into several types.

Cotton. They are a cotton tape with a special loop for the thumb. The bandage is fixed on the hand with Velcro. The main advantages of this type are good breathability and hygroscopicity (absorbs sweat, so the skin of the hands is not subject to friction). However, this variety also has disadvantages: with excessive effort, it is possible to squeeze tissues and blood vessels. Also, due to the absence of synthetic fibers in the base of the bandage, the wrapping process may require some practice and certain dexterity from the fighter.

Mexican (elastic). Natural and synthetic fibers are used in their production. They differ from the first option in low breathability and hygroscopicity. The main advantages of this option are good wrist fixation and excellent protection from damage. Despite the simplicity and ease of wrapping the hand (due to stretchability), some athletes manage to crush the soft tissue of the hands. In some cases this leads to numbness. Thus, after a while the fighter has to stop training and re-bandage.

Bandage gloves. In comparison with previous options, it is difficult to classify them as bandages at all, but they perform the same function. This type is a glove that has no fingers. They are based on a shock-absorbing gel pad, which is very convenient during exercise. They are not particularly popular among professional fighters, but for a beginner this option is the best.

Each athlete, depending on his preferences, chooses the most convenient type of bandage for himself.

Rating of high-quality models of boxing bandages

A 2022 review of popular types of boxing bandages is presented by the best brands of both foreign and Russian manufacturers of sports equipment.

When compiling the rating, the opinions of customers and reviews of athletes of various types of martial arts were taken into account.

Brand INDIGO

Elastic bandages

The fabric composition is pure cotton with a small addition of nylon threads. An individual means of protection against possible damage to the skin and wrist in the ring during a fight or working with training equipment.

Elastic bandages INDIGO

Brand Ray sport

Elastic bandages

An elastic sports bandage is designed to restore the working functions of tendons and prevent injury to the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands. There is a thumb grip and a Velcro bandage attachment. A budget version of a popular model for optimal wrist fixation.

Elastic bandages Ray sport

Brand Clinch

Elastic bandages

Popular models of bandages from one of the best manufacturers provide reliable and inexpensive protection for the skin of the hands and all joints of the hand and wrist. Helps reduce the risk of injury. They stretch slightly, which provides a rigid fixation of the wrist. They have a loop on one edge of the tape and a hook or Velcro on the other edge.

Elastic Clinch Bandages

Brand Bad Boy

Elastic bandages

An exemplary bandage for protecting the arm joints from dislocations. In order to increase the elasticity and quality of the material, the developers added a little lycra to the natural fabric.

Bad Boy elastic bandages

Brand Venum Contact

Gel bandages

High-quality gel bandages are an optimally simple and effective way to protect a boxer’s hands. Gel Shock System technology reduces vibration from impacts, and the fastening system provides an excellent fit and rigid fixation of the wrist.

This model cannot be used when working with a bag.

Venum Kontact gel bandages

Elastic bandages

The boxing attribute of Venum brand wrist and hand protection is made of natural fabric with the addition of nylon threads, which does not interfere with air access to the skin of the hands. Absorbs sweat well. The strength of the fastening is ensured by the Velcro fastener. The logo is displayed on the outside of the glove.

Elastic bandages Venum Kontact

Brands Rusco

Cotton bandage

Convenient fabric bandage for rigid fixation of the metacarpophalangeal joints. Does not stretch, has a dense fabric structure. Closure in the form of a textile hook and Velcro. Excellent value for money and quality.

Cotton bandage Rusco

Gel bandages

Official bandages from the Russian MMA Union, increased strength, a wonderful alternative to the traditional elastic bandage. These are cotton fingerless boxing gloves with gel pads in the area of ​​the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Gel bandages Rusco

Brand Green Hill

The main supplier of popular models of boxing bandages to Russia in 2022, offers three types of products:

Cotton bandages

The dense fabric does not stretch, but when wrapped correctly, it firmly holds the skeleton of the hand in an anatomically correct position and does not hinder the movement of the hands. Absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through.

Green Hill cotton bandages

Elastic bandages

Composition: cotton and synthetic fibers. The bandage is equipped with a thumb ring, and after wrapping it around the hand, it is secured with a hook or Velcro. The purpose of the bandage is to individually protect the boxer’s hands from possible damage to the hand and skin of the hands. Increased glove life.

Everlast brand

Holds the palm in terms of demand for boxing equipment and protective attributes.

Cotton bandages

The quality of the material guarantees a strong hold on the brush. A convenient ring and Velcro fastener securely holds the thumb and secures the bandage.

Everlast Cotton Bandages

Adidas brand

Elastic bandages

Helps reduce the risk of injury to the athlete's hands. The ultimate Adidas stretch wrap features a high quality cotton and elastane blend with a thumb ring and convenient Velcro closure.

Adidas elastic bandages

Gel bandages

Thanks to the innovative Climcool technology, which is used in the production of Adidas gel bandages, the boxer's hands remain dry for the entire period of the fight or training.

Mesh inserts act as an air conditioner, providing constant air circulation inside the glove. Rubber pads filled with gel with a thickness of up to 10 mm provide complete safety to the phalanges of the fingers, and a good fit and an additional bandage are securely fixed with Velcro.

Adidas Gel Bandages

How to decide on the length of a boxing bandage?

Sporting goods stores offer a wide range of boxing wraps. The length of this element of protective equipment can vary from 2.5 to 5.0 meters with a width from 2 to 10 centimeters. Sometimes such a huge selection causes bewilderment for a beginner and the question: what length should I buy a bandage? First of all, you should decide on the winding method. The length will depend on it. In most cases, experts recommend that beginners purchase a bandage with a length of 2.5 to 3 meters. Professional athletes prefer long options - from 4.5 to 5 meters.

Does a boxer need a medical elastic bandage?

Compression bandage "Intex" made of latex, cotton and polyester fiber is available without a loop and without a Velcro fastener. Despite this, a therapeutic elastic bandage with low elongation (up to 50% of the resting length) can be used as a replacement for an expensive elastic bandage during sports training.

However, the main purpose of a medical bandage is to fix the arm during sprains and dislocations, which are not uncommon in sports. Therefore, along with a sports elastic bandage, it is recommended for a boxer to have a medium-stretch compression bandage “Intex” (up to 100% of the resting length) 2-3 m long in case of injury .

How to properly wrap your hands with boxing bandages?

It is very simple to bandage your hands correctly, the main thing is to follow the instructions below.

1. Place the locking loop around your thumb. The winding must be started from the top side of the hand. If you bandage from the inside, this will not allow you to properly fix the wrist. Subsequently, such a winding can result in injury.
2. Make up to four turns around your wrist. It is important to ensure that the bandage does not form wrinkles and fits tightly to the hand.
3. Lift the boxing tape up and make two turns around your palm. Then move down and bandage your wrist again.
4. Place the bandage between your ring and little fingers and wrap it around the inside of your palm. Secure the bandage to your wrist. By analogy, bandage the three remaining fingers.
5. Perform up to five turns around the knuckles. Similarly, wrap the entire hand until the boxing bandage runs out.
6. Bend and straighten your fingers. If you do not experience discomfort and can move the brush, the winding is done correctly.
7. Secure the end of the bandage with Velcro.

If there are suspicions about the quality of the winding, it is better to bandage it again. Otherwise, this will have to be done during training.

How to choose bandaging material

Special tapes are used to bandage hands in boxing. Gloves are put on over them. This equipment allows you to fix joints and bones in an anatomically correct position. The question naturally arises, which boxing bandages to choose to bandage your palm.

The most well-known brands of quality boxing tapes are:

• Everlast;
• Fighting;
• Adidas;
• TITLE.

The products are manufactured using modern equipment and meet quality standards. These brands of tapes have a long service life. You can choose cotton and elastic. The product comes with instructions on how to properly wrap the boxing wraps on your hands.

Types of materials:

1. Cotton. For tight internal protection. They do not interfere with blood circulation in the limbs and quickly absorb sweat. If you bandage your hand correctly, the joints will be slightly limited in movement. Such strips are recommended for a beginner so that he cannot wrap the bandages too tightly. If you overdo it, painful sensations in the limb will arise immediately.
2. Elastic. The ribbons retain the properties of cotton, but stretch better. Synthetic ones are easier to bandage your hand correctly, although some skill is required. Disadvantage: impaired blood flow in the limb will become apparent after a while.

The choice of material for bandaging a hand is an individual matter. For a beginner, it is advisable to use cotton ribbons for the first time until he learns to control the tightening force, then he can switch to synthetic ones.

How to check whether your hands are wrapped in boxing bandages correctly?

Often, beginners doubt the correctness of the winding they performed. To dispel doubts, it is necessary to perform a number of manipulations.

1. If your hand begins to go numb, this indicates that the bandage is too tight. In this case, it is necessary to unwind it for ten minutes to restore circulation, and rewind it.
2. At the moment of striking, the bandage should tightly tighten the athlete’s fist. In a relaxed state, the tape should not squeeze the palm, cause discomfort or dangle on the hand. These factors indicate incorrect winding.
3. After wrapping is completed, you need to move your fingers and clench your hand into a fist. If you were able to complete these steps, it means that everything was done correctly earlier.
4. If the temperature has changed and the brush has turned pale, the winding was done incorrectly.
5. You need to learn how to bandage your hands yourself. Over time, this will allow you to develop a sense of the required tension force of the bandage.

It is important to remember that without practice it is impossible to learn how to properly wrap your hands with boxing wraps. Both the outcome of the fight and the fighter’s career as a whole can depend on this attribute.

Signs of properly wrapped bandages

Proper wrapping of boxing bandages is the key to a successful workout without injury. And before you start hitting the punching bag or bag, you need to make sure that no mistakes were made when wrapping.

This can be easily determined: make a dozen blows in the air with your bandaged hand. If you feel friction or the tape becomes loose, rewind. If your brush gets tired quickly, you may have wound it too tightly. Make sure there is no friction from the tape between your middle finger.

Many beginners use a Mexican (elastic) boxing bandage to compress soft tissues. In the first stages, trainers advise wrapping cotton around the hand. It stretches worse, but in this case it is easier for a beginner to determine the tension force.

You can also replace boxing tapes with shingarts - fingerless gloves. They do not require winding. You can study in them only during the first lessons. It is recommended to practice punches on a punching bag or bag only with your hand wrapped in a bandage. Professional boxers wrap their hands with gauze.

A properly bandaged hand allows you to increase the force of the blow and is protected from injury. The brush gets less tired when practicing on a pear or bag. If you are going to train with boxing gloves, be sure to wrap tape around your hand.