How to Use Hand Wraps With Boxing Gloves

Boxers wrap their hands for protection, and depending on glove type, you may there are two different ways to do this, as well. Choose one for wearing a hand wrap according to personal preference. One way covers more hand and knuckle area, while the other affords more wrist protection.

Method one: Forearm and hand protection

1. Locate the loop on the end of the wrap and thread your thumb through. Don’t wrap too tightly, and start by wrapping across the back of the wrist. Wrap completely around once, and begin to spiral the wrap back towards your elbow. Halfway down your forearm, reverse direction moving towards the wrist.


2. As you approach your palm, guide the wrap on the inside of your wrist towards the palm. Cover the hand and knuckles with two or three wraps.


3. Reverse direction again, and cover any missed areas.


4. Wrap an "X" when you reach the thumb. First on the outside of your thumb, then the inside again. You only need to do this one time.


5. Wrap towards the wrist and forearm until you run out.


6. Secure with Velcro or tape.

Method two: Wrist reinforcement

1. Locate the loop on the end of the wrap and drape around your middle finger. Pull the wrap across the back of the wrist, then wrap three times for maximum protection.


2. Bring the wrap upward in a diagonal motion across the back of the hand and wrap three times around the palm, on the inside of the thumb. On the last pass, go on the outside of the thumb and loop around it.


3. Draw the wrap across the back of the hand diagonally, making a loop between each of the fingers and the outside of the thumb. Start between the index and middle fingers, then work out from there.


4. Wrap the palm once more on the inside of the thumb. Use the remaining wrap to reinforce the wrist. 


5. Fasten with Velcro or tape.