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How to Wrap Your Hands for Boxing: A Beginner's Guide

Your hands are the only tools you've got in this sport. Wrapping them properly takes two minutes, and it's one of the first things a good coach will check.

This is the simple, standard way most gyms teach beginners. Every coach has their own twist — if yours shows you something different, do it their way.

Why wrap at all?

Wraps go on under your gloves. They help hold the small bones in your hand together, keep your wrist supported and soak up sweat so your gloves last longer. Gloves alone don't do that job.

Before you start

  • Open your hand and spread your fingers wide while you wrap. A clenched hand wraps too tight.
  • Find the thumb loop at one end and make sure the "this side down" label (if it has one) faces your skin.
  • Keep the wrap flat. Twists make pressure points.

Step 1: Thumb loop

Hook the loop over your thumb, then take the wrap across the back of your hand towards your wrist.

Step 2: Anchor the wrist

Go round your wrist three or four times. Firm, not tight — you should still feel your pulse comfortably. This is your base.

Step 3: Cover the knuckles

Bring the wrap up across the back of your hand and go round your knuckles three or four times. Keep fingers spread. Make a fist after the first pass to check it isn't biting.

Step 4: Between the fingers (optional)

Many coaches add an X between each finger — from the wrist, up between little and ring finger, back to the wrist, and repeat for each gap. It locks the wrap in place. Ask your coach if they want it.

Step 5: Thumb and back to the wrist

Take one pass round your thumb for support, then finish with the rest of the wrap round your wrist and fasten the hook-and-loop end.

Check it

Make a fist. It should feel snug and solid, not numb. Tingling, cold fingers or a throbbing hand means too tight — take it off and go again.

Beginner mistakes

  • Too tight. Cuts circulation. Your hand swells once you start working.
  • Too loose. Wrap slides, knuckles end up unprotected.
  • Skipping the wrist. The wrist is where most beginners tweak something.
  • Wrapping with a closed fist. Always spread the fingers.
  • Dirty wraps. Wash and dry them properly after sessions. Nobody wants to spar the lad with the minging wraps.

Safety

Wraps help, but they don't make bad technique safe. If you've got pain in your hand or wrist that doesn't settle, stop and get it checked.

Get your own pair

Most gyms will expect you to have your own wraps — they're personal kit. Our boxing hand wraps are coming soon in six old school colourways. Join the Corner for first word on the drop and 15% off with CORNER15.

The Fight Life. Est. 2019.