Hand wraps, usually made of cotton, are used by boxers to protect their hands from repetitive concussive forces. The wraps are worn under boxing gloves and bag gloves and are tightly wrapped from the wrist up to the knuckles. The layering of the wraps provides a small amount of cushion and the tightness slightly compresses the bones and joints of the hand to provide extra protection. Getting the right balance between snug and cutting off circulation takes practice and experience.
Putting on Hand Wraps
Step 1
Start with the right hand and turn the hand so the palm is facing the floor. Open the fingers so they are spread apart as far as possible.
Step 2
Hook the boxing wrap's thumb loop on the right-hand thumb.
Step 3
Take the wrap over the back of the wrist, toward the pinkie side of the hand, and tightly make two loops around the wrist.
Step 4
Loop around the base of the thumb one time.
Step 5
Take the wrap over the back of the hand, across the base of the palm and loop around the base of the thumb one more time. Repeat this step two more times.
Step 6
Bring the wrap under the wrist, diagonal across the palm, and then around the knuckles three times. Make sure the fingers are still spread wide.
Step 7
Make one loop around the wrist, then take the wrap over the back of the hand and thread it between the middle and ring fingers, across the palm to the back of the thumb.
Step 8
Take the wrap over the back of the hand and then loop the wrap around the knuckles three more times.
Step 9
Wrap the remaining length around the wrist and secure with the wrap's Velcro or with a strip of athletic tape. Repeat the wrap technique for the left hand.
Tips and Warnings
- The first few times you wrap your hands, you will likely find the wraps are either too tight or too loose. Instead of taking the entire wrap off, slowly unwind the wrap, checking tightness along the way. Once you find a spot where the tightness feels right, start wrapping again.
- Make sure you wash your boxing hand wraps from time to time to prevent mildew. They will get tangled in the washing machine and dryer so make sure to put them in a mesh laundry bag.
Things You'll Need
- Roll of athletic tape (optional)
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