Wrap Your Hands Like a Pro:
A Boxing-Focused Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're just starting or want to perfect your technique, we've got you covered. It's not as complex as it may seem. This simple step-by-step guide will help you wrap your hands effectively and comfortably for boxing.
What Size Hand Wraps Do I Need?
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120 Hand Wraps - smaller hands up to size 12oz
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180 Hand Wraps - larger hands 14oz and above
If you don’t know your boxing glove size - read our guide here.
Step 1: Prepare Your Boxing Hand Wraps
Unroll your boxing hand wraps entirely, ensuring they're free of tangles. Lay them flat on your clean surface.
Step 2: Begin with the Loop Around Your Thumb
Place the looped end of the boxing hand wrap over your thumb. This loop will anchor the wrap as you proceed.
Step 3: Secure Your Wrist
Hold the loose end against your wrist and wrap it around your wrist a few times. It should be snug but not overly tight.
Step 4: Move Up to Protect Your Knuckles
Starting from your wrist, guide the wrap diagonally across your palm toward your knuckles. Continue wrapping around your knuckles and back down toward your wrist. Repeat this process approximately three times to shield your knuckles adequately.
Step 5: Safeguard Your Thumb
After covering your knuckles, make one more pass around your wrist and then guide the wrap down to your thumb. Wrap it around your thumb, and then bring it back toward your wrist.
Step 6: Wrap Your Hand
Now, wrap your hand by guiding the wrap across your palm, up to your fingers, and then back down to your wrist. Repeat this process three to four times to ensure your hand is well-protected.
Step 7: Lock the Wrap on Your Wrist
After wrapping your hand, make one final pass around your wrist to lock the wrap securely in place.
Step 8: Secure the Wrap Using Your Thumb Loop
To finish, utilise the loop you created around your thumb at the beginning. Slide the loose end of the wrap through this loop and pull it tight to secure the wrap.
Step 9: Check the Tension
Ensure that your boxing hand wrap is snug but not overly tight. You should be able to move your fingers and make a fist comfortably. If it feels too tight, redo it with slightly less tension.
Step 10: Repeat for the Other Hand
Don't forget to wrap your other hand using the same boxing-specific steps.
Hand wrapping is a fundamental skill for boxers. With practice, you'll become adept at wrapping your hands effectively and comfortably for boxing, providing crucial protection and readiness for action in the ring.
Types Of Hand Wraps
Quick Wraps: This wrap is composed of 2 parts – the glove and the wrap. Quick wraps are really popular for beginner level boxers because they’re so fast and easy to put on; simply slip the glove part onto your hand and wind the wrap around your wrist.
Traditional Wraps: Wrapping the old-fashioned way! A traditional hand wrap is essentially a long piece of stretchy cotton fabric. Traditional hand wraps have remained popular among seasoned boxers because they provide a tighter fit and are better for injury prevention. These are the ones we’ll teach you how to use!
Are Hand Wraps Really Necessary?
Unless you’re a seasoned professional trained in bare-knuckle or drilling techniques, hand wraps will be crucial for your training, especially when sparring or hitting a punching bag. Hand wraps will not only provide additional support for your hands and wrists, but they will help to absorb shock and prevent bruising and callouses.
Do I Need To Wear Gloves Over My Hand Wraps?
Short answer: Yes. Boxing gloves are designed to be heavy, and even the lightest and softest gloves can damage your hands without extra support. The hand wraps will act as a barrier between your hands and the gloves, protecting your knuckles and wrists, and helping to minimise damage to your hands as much as possible.
