Q&A for How to Wrap Your Hands for Boxing

Not only can a novice use hand wraps, they should. All professional fighters, not just boxers, use hand wraps. You could do without them, but you'd risk breaking your wrists and being unable to fight.

Yes, but you obviously could not reuse the athletic tape and it would probably require a lot more tape each time you wrap your hand/wrist. It might also be uncomfortable between your fingers.

No, it doesn't. The wraps are there for the protection of your wrist and hand. They help ensure that there's no injuries when you do decide to give that hard punch.

You can buy them already pre-sized for adults or juniors. If one is too small, go bigger, and vice versa.

It's better than nothing, but you should invest in some better (preferably stretchier) wraps ASAP.

They should be able at your local pharmacy, try CVS or Walgreens. Boxing clubs should also have it. If all else fails, try online.

Weightlifting gloves are to protect the skin on the palm of the hand; boxing hand wraps perform a different task.

It's basically impossible to wrap and then put those fingerless gloves on. Gloves are convenient, but inadequate. The bleeding is probably wiggle room on that knuckle. Go ahead and try tape instead of the gloves.

Pretty much any sporting goods store should sell them, but you can also look on the internet.

Yeah, it will work, but buying more and more gauze will be expensive and you won’t get a lot of wrist stability.

Before the match. There is usually a locker room in which you can calm down and prepare for the match. You will have ample time to gear up and head in.

It depends on your age, weight and general hand size. Most reputable sellers will provide a sizing chart, though they're not always accurate. Most people try both and pick the one that they prefer.

As many times as you want, but make sure to clean the wrap in between boxing sessions.

There is no set way to use hand wraps. Just put the loop around your thumb and wrap in the direction away from your palm. Wrap around your knuckles and your wrist as much as you can, because those are the parts that will most likely absorb the shock of your punches. As for the gloves, you can't really do anything about that. See if your dad can return them and get the right size.

Any hand wrap from a respectable seller is good. People usually wear them under their gloves so their knuckles don't get scabbed, and to prevent hand and/or wrist injuries.

It is highly recommended, as it will help with wrist stability. It isn't required, but very helpful.

The article is incorrect; the first wrap should go around the back of the hand for maximum security.

The wraps aren't made for your left or right hand. One side of the thumb loop will have the stitches. That side should be under, facing your thumb. If it is still the wrong way, unwrap a bit and twist the wrap so the velcro will be the right way.

There are different sizes of wraps. I would advise the 2.5 cm wrap, or try a smaller size if that's still too big.

Yes, but when training for accuracy or hardening your knuckles, you can remove the gloves. Pros who need to condition their hands frequently go without a wrap, as well.

Most sporting goods stores have them, and you could also find them online.

You don't have to, but they give extra protection to the muscles, bones, and ligaments in the fists.

You taped up, then put on gloves? If you wear gloves, you don't have to protect the knuckles.

No. You should use purpose-made wraps. Normal gauze will not cushion the impact enough.

No, I used to go to a boxing club and when I first started I forgot to bring my own hand wraps the gloves I was using were pretty thick. Even then if I were to to use a combination that involved multiple hard punches I would end up bruising my knuckles. Think about it this way: Boxing gloves are like the outside of a hand sanitizer bottle and the gel is the tape. Basically punching the bag with wraps is the same as punching it with a bare fist.

Do not do that, absolutely not. You will not only shatter your hand, but possibly you can permanently destroy it.

Yes, but obviously it would be better to use actual wraps. You can get decent ones that aren't expensive and they are common in sporting stores.