Hand wraps for boxers and mixed martial artists are made from a cotton-blend material that contours to a fighter's hands. They measure 120 inches long for small hands and 170 inches long for large hands. It is important for a fighter to wear properly applied hand wraps underneath his gloves to protect the small bones and tendons in his hands from injury.
Getting Started
A hand wrap has a loop on one end and a Velcro fastener on the other end. To begin the wrapping process, place the loop over the fighter's thumb and then drop the wrap around the back of his hand and down toward his wrist. Lead the material around the fighter's wrist three times, stopping when the wrap is on the palm side of the hand.
Covering the Knuckles
Lead the wrap above the fighter's thumb and across his palm. Wrap the material around the hand three times, completely covering the knuckles.
Allowing for Slack
It is crucial that the fighter holds his fingers slightly apart when the wrap is applied to his knuckles to leave a little slack in the material. Without this slack, the fighter will be unable to properly clench his fists, and he may also lose circulation in his fingers when he puts his gloves on over top of the wraps.
Criss-Crossing
From the back of the hand, direct the wrap between the fighter's thumb and forefinger. The material is likely to twist into a thin string, which is all right at this point. Make sure it opens up flat again as you lead it across the fighter's palm and back down to his wrist. Criss-cross the remaining material---down around the wrist and up across the palm---eventually finishing at the wrist.
Securing the Wrap
Press the Velcro fastening flush up against the material to finish the wrapping. To ensure that the fastening does not come loose inside the fighter's gloves, which could cause the wrap to unravel, cover the Velcro areas with two turns of athletic tape.
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