This has started happening recently, and it's never been a problem until now: When I punch a pad with my right hand (a cross) my wrist comes out of alignment and folds downwards. I have to really focus to make sure it doesn't happen. I sometimes wear handwrap alternatives (the glove kind) but I have never worn handwraps before. It has only happened in the last two months. Also, it doesn't hurt.
Other than the simple explanation - that you have injured it without knowing it and it is now folding under added pressure - it sounds like your body alignment may be off - have you been hitting harder? As you get better the structural chain has a habit of highlighting areas that are not correctly "set"
Any chance of a quick video, Chadderz? It could be something as simple as a raised elbow causing the wrist to turn over. It could be the shoulder turning too far and it could be the rear foot staying "in the bucket", which would cause the shoulder turn.
I haven't lifted all summer, I'll be back at it in college next week and I'll let you know. I'm not always hitting harder I think. Perhaps I am. Sorry for the vagueness guys.
Elbow would be the first thing I'd check. Does it happen when your well into a session and getting tired, or is it right from the start? Mitch
Same pad holder, changed gloves, happened around the same time, perhaps there is something there. I'll check my elbow tonight. It's happening right at the start of the session, doesn't happen during sparring.
just a thougt, but are you closing your fist properly? a fully clenched fist tends towards a fully neutral wrist position and shouldn't fold (if it does in that case, then it's probably elbow or shoulder alignment)
It might be the change in gloves. I have a student whom when she uses her own gloves her hand tends to bend inward at the wrist when she hooks and crosses. When she wears my gloves she doesn't have this issue as badly (though it's worth noting she is still a novice). Have you tried wrapping more around the wrist to alleviate the bending when punching?
Another thing I'll look out for when I'm hitting pads. Honestly my wrist feels weak, but I can't tell if its physical or in my head.
If you feel your wrists are weak, maybe it might be worth using a wrist roller in your spare time to help strengthen them? I'd parrot what others have said about checking the position of the elbow/shoulder alignment/making sure the wrist isn't bent slightly.
Same on the bag. Tried aligning my elbow a little tonight, seemed to help. I'll report back on Monday with more info.
There is a simple test you can do, Chadderz. Stand with your right side against the wall and throw the right cross. You'll notice immediately if the elbows flares at the start of the movement.
It's a combination of things I think. Holding the pads at the proper height has solved a lot of the problems, including forcing me to punch straighter.