How to Wrap Hands Correctly For Boxing

Wrapping your hands is essential for any boxer. It protects knuckles and wrists from hyperextension injuries and gives you the support you need while training or competing. Properly wrapped hands, from looping your thumb to wrapping your fingers to securing them around the wrist, help you punch harder and safer by stabilizing your joints. This boosts your confidence in striking without worrying about damage.

Correct Way to Wrap Hands for Boxing

Wrapping your hand with boxing stretchable wraps requires some key consideration and follows a well-structured pattern. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned boxer, mastering it correctly ensures you stay safe while performing and effective in the ring.

Gather Your Materials for Quality Wrapping

Before you begin, it is essential to choose the right boxing hand wrap that ensures comfort and protection during training. There are different types of wraps that you can consider:

Tape and gauze:

Most commonly used in competitions. Boxers wrap their hands with gauze up to 49 feet and tape up to 16 feet. These are the most protective, lightweight, and customizable. But it is time-consuming to apply and use only once. Competition wraps require a specific technique and often need external assistance for application.

Cotton wraps:

Most boxers use these hand wraps due to their comfort, reusability, and effectiveness in providing support. Cotton wraps are available in lengths from 108 to 210 inches. Shorter ones are suitable for shadowboxing, while longer ones provide better stability for sparring.

Elastic bandage

Often referred to as Mexican-style wrist wraps offering flexibility and punching strength. Elastic bandages conform to the shape of your hands and provide a snug fit that moves with you during workouts, loosening over time. These wraps allow better airflow and help in keeping your hands dry and cool. But some boxers find them too thick; they may wear out faster.

Gel wraps

A convenient alternative to traditional wraps in boxing. Gel wraps slip on like gloves and allows fast preparation before training and competition. They offer extra cushioning for the knuckles but offer minimal coverage; some boxers prefer for increased dexterity.

While choosing the right wrap measure the circumference of your hand below the knuckles to determine the appropriate size. Shorter wraps with 108 to 120 inches are used for smaller wrists, while longer ones with 180 to 210 inches are preferable for adults or those who spar. Make sure the wrap is clean and free of any tear or fraying.

You can also design your own hand wraps with the length, closure, and design of your choice to experience perfection in protection.

Step# 1: Loop Your Thumb to Identify the Wrapping Direction

Use a wrap with a designated thumb loop. This is usually placed at the end of the velcro and helps direct the wrap correctly around your hand.
Place your thumb through the loop while stretching out your fingers. This step secures the wrap in place.
Keep the wrap tight throughout the process.

Step# 2: Wrap Around the Wrist to Stabilize it While Punching

Start by circling the material around your wrist 3 to 4 times. This will give your wrist the necessary support and prevent injuries during punches.
Adjust the times as much as you want stability. The band must overlap on each fold.
End it at the back of the joint for hand wrapping.
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight to restrict circulation.

Step# 3: Wrap the Palm Area of the Hands in an “X” Pattern

Bring the wrap from the back in the direction toward your fingers.
Move the band from the thumb side of your wrist across the back of your hand, then around the edge towards the pinky side.
On the next fold, bring it over your knuckles and wind it 2-3 times. Ensure it covers them adequately for protection.
Then, from the top of your knuckles, wrap across the back of your hand toward your wrist, creating an X pattern.

Step# 4: Anchor the Thumb to Prevent Excessive Movement

After wrapping your hand correctly, take the band back down towards your thumb.
Wind the material around the base of your thumb.
Bring the wrap back across the back to reinforce the thumb’s position. This creates stability and prevents excessive movements.
Finish it by wrapping the wrist again one time for additional support.

Step# 5: Circle Between Fingers to Secure Small Joints

Now, bring the velcro between the fingers to prevent the knuckles from shifting.
Start by passing the wrap to secure the pinky finger. Wind around the first joint.
Then, work your way through the ring, middle, and index finger, going between each pair.
After circling between fingers, return to the knuckles and reinforce them again a few times.

Step# 6: Final Wrap Around the Wrist for Reinforcement

When you secure each part individually, at the end, give additional wrap all over the hand. This will add an extra protective layer.

Step# 7: Secure at the Wrist with a Velcro Strip

Finally, bring the velcro back to your wrist area and wind the remaining leftover of the band.
Fasten the end of the wrap with the strip.
Make a fist and check everything feels snug but comfortable. Adjust if necessary to ensure mobility without restriction.

Conclusion:

A good hand wrap enhances protection and performance in boxing. Infinitude Fight is a boxing gear manufacturer offering premium quality hand wraps. Learn how to wrap hands for boxing perfectly for strong support. Ensure you do each step correctly with adequate precision, as it impacts your striking power if it is too loose or tight. If you feel any discomfort or looseness, do not hesitate to unwrap and try again until you achieve a secure fit. Practice makes perfect, so take time to bandage your hands before each session.

FAQs

How do you fit hand wraps for boxing?

To fit hand wraps, start by looping your thumb and winding across your hand, knuckles, and wrist 2 to 3 times for adequate stability. Finish by securing at the wrist. Ensure your boxing gloves are the right size and have enough room for your wrapped hands.

Do hand wraps need to be tight?

Hand wraps for boxing should be snug enough to provide support but not so tight that they restrict circulation. A rule of thumb is to ensure you can still move your finger and make a fist comfortably. Keep constant tension while wrapping, allowing adequate blood flow and movement.

Why does your hand wrap keep on falling?

If your hand wraps keep falling off, they are likely too loose. Try again using the proper wrapping technique and adjusting the tension to secure them more firmly around your wrist and help them stay in place during training. Make sure your wraps are not worn out or lose elasticity.