How to wrap boxing hand wraps? Types and wrapping instructions.

Some people treat them as just an option. We personally prefer to use them because they provide proper protection and, on top of that, increase confidence during every activity on the mat or in the ring. However, this post is not about whether they are worth it, because we already know that. In this article, we will focus on how to use boxing hand wraps. 

How should you go through the entire wrapping process to effectively protect your hands? What should you pay attention to, and how can you tell that everything has been done properly and without mistakes?

What are hand wraps and what are they used for?

The hand consists of dozens of small bones which, especially in contact sports such as boxing or MMA, are simply exposed to overload, damage, and even cracks or fractures. This applies equally to solo training, sparring, and regular fights with other athletes.

The impact of huge forces means that the wrist can be twisted. That is why many fighters choose the extra support provided by so-called boxing hand wraps. Admittedly, the name of this solution may be misleading, because apart from boxing they also work well in many other combat sports (for example mixed martial arts).

Their function can be compared to a corset. In a similar way, they stabilise the wrist, protect the metacarpal bones and secure the finger joints. Naturally, on their own they cannot replace regular gloves. However, they are an important complementary element. Something like the duo of socks and running shoes. 

Types of boxing wraps

Before we move on to the wrapping technique, we would like to say a few more words about the different types. The main division classifies them into:

• Traditional wraps - usually made of cotton. They are stiffer, less stretchy and require manual tying, but they give you full freedom to adjust the level of protection.
• Elastic wraps - cotton wraps with a touch of elastane, which makes them easier to position, better suited to the shape of the hand, and less likely to crease.

To learn the wrapping technique, we definitely recommend the latter. An alternative to the options mentioned above is so-called wraps, or rather gel gloves. As the name suggests, they come in a ready-made form. Because of that, you just put them on and wrap them only around the wrists.

As for length, they usually come in sizes from 2.5 up to even 4.5 metres. At SMMASH, we offer the most classic option, which is 4 metres. We believe this is the ideal choice for most sports and fits the vast majority of hands.

How should you prepare before wrapping your hands with boxing wraps?

Before you take a wrap and start securing your hands, check its length. For juniors or people with small hands, we recommend 2.5 / 3 m versions (although longer ones may also work), while everyone else is better off reaching for the 4-metre ones. Then make sure your hands are clean and dry. Once that is done, you can start wrapping them.

How should you wrap them? Step-by-step boxing wrap instructions.

Below you will find the standard method used by most athletes. 

1. Before you start, make sure the wrap is rolled evenly. If it is not, there is a risk that it will start twisting while you put it on, which will make the job harder.
2. Make a loop around your thumb and wrap the wrist 3 times from the thumb towards the elbow.
3. Go across the back of the hand and wrap the knuckles 3 times.
4. Go back across the back of the hand and make 3 turns around the wrist.
5. Thread the wrap between the fingers: from the little finger to the thumb, passing across the back of the hand after each finger.
6. Finish the wrap with more turns around the wrist and fasten the Velcro at the end.

Remember: each turn of the wrap should overlap the previous one by about half the width of the wrap. Keep your fingers spread and tense throughout the whole wrapping process. If you do it with your fingers closed, the wrap will become loose when you clench your fist, and your hand will simply lose stability. Wrap both hands using the same technique and with similar tension.

What about the thumb? Wrap it or not?

Our recommendation: yes. That is because lack of support in this area is one of the most common injuries, for example in boxing. After wrapping the knuckles, go around the base of the thumb. Make sure not to do it too tightly, because this finger must retain full mobility. 

How can you check if the wraps are put on correctly?

Before you start putting on your gloves, we also recommend a quick test. Pay attention to the following elements:

• Clenching your fist, because your hand should be able to form a fist freely, without excessive pressure on the knuckles or tension around the thumb.
• Wrist stability - when you try to bend your wrist sideways, the wrap should provide clear resistance,
• Blood circulation - if after a few minutes your fingers become pale, bluish, or you start to feel tingling in them or any other worrying symptoms, that is a sign that you have done something wrong (in other words: the wrap is too tight and needs to be adjusted quickly).

The most common mistakes to avoid when securing your hands and wrists include:

• Wrapping too tightly - this compresses the blood vessels, which later causes tingling, a bluish colour in the fingers, discomfort, reduced sensation, and in extreme cases health problems
• Wrapping with your fingers closed - when you clench your fist, the wrap loosens and loses stability.
• Uneven tension - this disrupts the balance of protection and does not provide proper support.
• Creasing of the material near the fingers - layers of folds create hard pressure points during punches.
• Wrap that is too short - this forces you to skip turns around the knuckles or the wrist.

Finally, remember this: if you are doing it for the first time, here is a small tip. Ask someone with more experience (for example an older athlete, instructor or coach) to take a quick look at your work.

Where can you get this kind of sports accessory?

You already know how to wrap your hands correctly before training or competition, so now it is time to get professional, proven and high-quality boxing and mixed martial arts hand wraps. Right?

As you have probably guessed, this is another product category that has joined our online store with sportswear and sports accessories (especially those dedicated to combat sports such as MMA, Muay Thai, boxing or kickboxing). We invite you to explore the full range.