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Consider hands wraps as the first line of defence, protecting the very tools you use to strike with
Whether you're throwing hooks, jabs, or uppercuts, boxing can be tough on your hands. The constant impact of punching, especially when you're hitting a heavy boxing bag or sparring, can take a serious toll. That's why, regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, wrapping your hands is a must.
Below we take a look at how to wrap your hands ahead of your boxing debut, the type of hand wraps available – of course there is more than one kind – and why we think it's non-negotiable.
Why Wrapping Your Hands Is Crucial for Boxing Performance
Consider hand wraps as the first line of defence, protecting the very tools you use to strike with. You see, every time you punch, you're generating intense force. Your fists, knuckles, and wrists take the brunt of that impact. Hand wraps provide support, protecting your wrists, knuckles, and the delicate bones in your hands from the repetitive stress of striking. By stabilising your wrists and cushioning your knuckles, you're ultimately reducing the chance of injury when you land punches.
But it's not just about protection – it's about performance too. Wrapping your hands properly before you don your boxing gloves helps you strike with confidence. Knowing that your hands are secure, your focus can stay on technique, not on worrying about an injury.
So whether you're training hard on the bag or stepping into the ring, wrapping your hands is an easy yet crucial step to keep your hands healthy and in peak condition.
Types of Boxing Hand Wraps
When it comes to boxing hand wraps, there are a few different types to consider, each offering its own benefits and what you choose to use comes down to personal preference and style of training. Here's a breakdown of the main types:
1. Traditional Cotton Hand Wraps
These are the classic hand wraps made from cotton, offering a balance of flexibility and support. They're long enough to wrap around the wrist, knuckles, and fingers.
2. Elastics or Stretch Hand Wraps
These wraps, often referred to as “Mexican-style” hand wraps, contain a blend of cotton and elastic material like spandex, which provide a bit more stretch yet remain breathable. They offer a tighter, snugger fit and are often preferred by those who like a little more compression. Many wraps will also come with an integrated thumb loop, helping to keep the wrap in place as you start wrapping.
3. Gel Hand Wraps
Gel wraps combine a traditional hand wrap with a layer of gel padding built into the wrap, usually in the knuckle area. They offer extra cushioning and protection, are quick to put on but can be bulkier than others.
4. Quick Wraps
These are not traditional wraps but more of a slip-on hand protection. Quick wraps are exactly that – super easy to use and fast to put on. They're like gloves with built-in padding, often used by beginners or for light training, as they may not provide the same amount of wrist and finger support compared to more traditional hand wraps.
Each type of hand wrap has its own advantages, so the best one for you will depend on your training style and preferences. Whether you need extra wrist support, extra cushioning, or easy application, there's one for you.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wrap Your Hands
Though there are varying methods of how to wrap your hands and ultimately it's your own preference on where you would like the most support, here are some basic steps to use with hand wraps that have an integrated thumb loop.
What You Need to Wrap Your Hands:
- A pair of hand wraps (usually 180" for adults)
- A clean surface to work on (you can sit down, but make sure you have enough space as the straps are long!)
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Hand Wraps:
Unroll the hand wrap so that the Velcro side is facing outwards and the loops are at the end that you'll start wrapping with (usually the side with the loop goes over your thumb).
Start with the Thumb Loop:
Place your thumb through the loop of the wrap. Hold the wrap in your other hand and ensure that the wrap is snug around the base of your thumb. This loop will be the anchor to keep the wrap in place.
Wrap Around the Wrist:
Begin by wrapping the loose end of the hand wrap around your wrist. Start with a few tight turns to secure the wrist and offer support – about 3 times around the wrist, making sure the wrap is snug but not too tight (you should still be able to move your wrist).
Wrap Over the Knuckles:
After securing your wrist, bring the wrap diagonally across your palm towards your knuckles. Continue to wrap around your knuckles, taking it back down toward your wrist. This helps to protect the knuckles from injury when punching.
Wrap around the knuckles approximately 3-4 times, keeping it snug, but again, not too tight. You should be able to make a fist comfortably without excessive pressure.
Protect Your Thumb:
Now, you'll start taking the wrap and guide the wrap down to your thumb. Wrap it around your thumb and bring it back up toward your wrist and wrap around for extra stability.
Wrap Between Each Finger:
Now, you'll start wrapping between the fingers for added support.
Begin with the space between your pinky and fourth (ring) finger. Wrap the hand wrap through this gap, bringing it back around the wrist.
Then, wrap between the ring finger and middle finger, and finally between the middle and index finger. You should be wrapping back around your hand, securing each finger's space.
Finish at the Wrist:
After your hand is fully wrapped, return to the wrist area and secure the remaining portion of the wrap around your wrist to lock it securely in place.
Tuck in any remaining wrap (you can use the loop you created around your thumb to slide the loose end of the wrap through this and pull tight to secure) or use the Velcro to secure the end of the hand wrap. Make sure it's snug, but that your wrist still has some flexibility.
Check for Comfort and Movement:
Make a fist and check that the wrap feels secure but not too tight. Your hand should feel protected, but you should still be able to move your fingers and wrist comfortably.
Adjust the tension if necessary to ensure the wrap isn't too restrictive.
Repeat for the Other Hand:
Once you've wrapped one hand, it's time to repeat the process on your other hand.
Things to Consider
- Don't Wrap Too Tight: The wrap should be snug to protect, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or restricts movement.
- Consistency: Always wrap your hands the same way for consistency and maximum protection.
- Practise: It might take a few tries to get the wrapping technique right, but with practise, it will become second nature.
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