Dsalita Why do fighters get their hands wrapped?
Fighters in combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts often wrap their hands before a fight. This practice is crucial for several reasons, providing protection, stability, and support to the hands and wrists. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of why fighters get their hands wrapped.
1. Injury Prevention
One of the primary reasons fighters wrap their hands is to prevent injuries. The repetitive impact of punches and strikes can cause damage to the bones, tendons, and ligaments in the hands and wrists. Hand wraps provide an additional layer of padding, reducing the risk of fractures and sprains.
Furthermore, hand wraps help to stabilize the small bones in the hands, minimizing the chances of dislocations and other injuries during a fight.
2. Wrist Support
The wrists are vulnerable to injury due to the force generated while throwing punches. Hand wraps offer crucial support to the wrists, keeping them aligned and reducing the risk of hyperextension or sprains. This support is especially important when fighters throw powerful hooks or uppercuts.
By providing stability to the wrists, hand wraps enable fighters to generate maximum power and speed without compromising their safety.
3. Knuckle Protection
The knuckles are another area that requires protection during combat sports. Hand wraps add an extra layer of padding over the knuckles, reducing the impact force and minimizing the risk of cuts and bruises.
Moreover, hand wraps help distribute the force of a punch across a larger area, preventing concentrated impact on a single knuckle and reducing the likelihood of fractures.
4. Hand Alignment
Proper alignment of the hand is crucial for generating power and preventing injuries. Hand wraps help maintain the correct position of the hand and fingers, ensuring that the force is distributed evenly throughout the hand.
By keeping the hand aligned, fighters can punch with maximum force while minimizing the risk of misalignment that could lead to injuries such as dislocations or sprains.
5. Sweat Absorption
Fighters engage in intense physical activity during a fight, leading to profuse sweating. Hand wraps help absorb sweat, keeping the hands dry and preventing them from slipping inside the gloves.
A secure grip is essential for proper technique and accuracy in striking, and hand wraps play a vital role in maintaining a firm hold on the gloves.
6. Mental Confidence
Aside from the physical benefits, hand wraps also provide fighters with a psychological advantage. Wrapping the hands before a fight has become a ritual for many fighters, serving as a pre-fight routine that helps them focus and feel mentally prepared.
The act of wrapping the hands can instill a sense of confidence and readiness, allowing fighters to enter the ring with a heightened mindset and a belief in their abilities.
7. Glove Protection
Hand wraps not only protect the fighter’s hands but also extend the lifespan of the gloves. The constant impact on the gloves during training and fights can cause wear and tear. Hand wraps act as a barrier between the hands and gloves, reducing the friction and prolonging the glove’s durability.
By preserving the gloves, fighters can save money on frequent replacements and ensure that their gloves maintain their integrity and performance.
8. Tradition and Culture
Hand wrapping has become deeply ingrained in the tradition and culture of combat sports. It is a practice that has been passed down through generations of fighters, and it symbolizes the dedication and commitment to the craft.
By adhering to this tradition, fighters pay homage to the history and legacy of their sport, connecting with the fighters who came before them.
In conclusion, hand wrapping is an essential aspect of combat sports for fighters. It provides injury prevention, wrist support, knuckle protection, hand alignment, sweat absorption, mental confidence, glove protection, and preserves tradition. All these factors combined contribute to the overall safety, performance, and mindset of fighters in the ring.
