In the sport of boxing, participants' hands are their greatest asset and should be protected to the utmost. Protect the hands not only during boxing matches, but also while training. Reusable cotton hand wraps provide protection during training, but only if they are applied correctly. Choose the proper length wrap, and learn how to use it.
Figure 8 hand-wrapping technique
Step 1
Hand wraps come in sizes from 108 inches to 170 inches or more. The size of your hand determines what length you will need. Younger boxers, including children and women with smaller hands, may use the 108-inch length; men with smaller hands might find that the 120-inch length provides enough coverage. Those with larger hands will use the 170-inch or longer.
Step 2
Begin with your non-dominant hand so you have a chance to perfect the wrapping technique. Unravel the hand wrap, making sure its Velcro side faces up. While sitting with your hand palm upward on your knee, insert your thumb through the loop on the end of the hand wrap. Firmly pull the wrap around the back of your hand. Starting 2 inches down the forearm, wind the wrap around your wrist twice, ending beneath the thumb just below the palm.
Step 3
Pull the hand wrap gently upward around the back of the thumb. Continue wrapping your thumb, bringing the hand wrap across the lower palm and around the wrist, again ending underneath the thumb. Extend the hand wrap diagonally up your palm, ending between your third and fourth finger. Continue down the back of your hand, using the same spot below the thumb to repeat the process between the second and third finger, and lastly the first and second fingers.
Step 4
Arriving below the thumb once again, begin to firmly apply the hand wrap to the palm of your hand moving upward until you reach the knuckles. Cover the knuckles completely. Secure the Velco closure so the hand wrap does not slip off. If using Mexican style hand wraps without a Velcro closure, cut a strip of athletic tape with scissors and apply to the end of the hand wrap.
Step 5
Repeat the technique on the opposite hand.
Tips and Warnings
- After a training session, hand wraps can be laid flat to dry. Fabric refresher can be applied during drying to help with any odors that might occur. Hand wraps can be hand washed, or machine washed in a net bag. To store hand wraps, roll them up starting at the thumb hole and ending at the Velco fasteners to make sure they will not unroll.
- Applying hand wraps that are too loose or too tight can lead to hand injury.
Things You'll Need
- Hand wraps
- Athletic tape
- Scissors
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