I never know where to start. After twenty years you’d think I would. I try and envision the whole process, to imagine where I need to be careful not to cut off circulation. That is the most important detail; provide enough support, but do not wrap so hard as to cut circulation. If you do, you have to start all over. It is also a mental lapse that can you can find strangely transmitted to the boxer.
The materials are simple; gauze and athletic tape. The only tool you need is are bandaging scissors- scissors with a blunted point so as not to stab. I should include two folding chairs as well. Those you do not provide and if none are available you make do with seating available.
The routine is the same across the world. A trainer sets up one chair for the athlete to sit on one; the other is placed the same direction in front of the athlete. The trainer will pad the back of the chair with a folded towel. The boxer, our athlete, places his first hand on the back of this chair. The trainer straddles the forward chair facing the athlete.
The hardest part of wrapping hands for a match is getting the boxer to sit still and focus. The boxer starts with his hand bridged at the first group of knuckles and wrist held bent back a bit. He then has to alternate between holding his hand in this position and making his fist clenched. It is crucial that no position is relaxed. I often remind the boxer that wrapping hands can be the most difficult part of a fight.
It is exciting being backstage at a boxing event. You have a pass that allows you to walk wherever you would like. It would be tempting to finish wrapping hands and to go find ringside seating and watch a few bouts. I never do that. I feel that it unprofessional.
No comments:
Post a Comment