How to Tape a Boxer's Hands

Boxers protect their hands and wrists from impact by wrapping them before fighting, sparring or hitting the heavy bag. In addition to the safety concerns addressed by proper wrapping, fight regulations also require boxers to use a specific method for taping their hands. A boxer with an illegally wrapped hand can have an unfair advantage in the fight.

Things You'll Need

  • 180-inch handwrap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the thump loop over the thumb and pull the boxing tape across the back of the hand so there is no slack. The words "This side down" may be printed on your handwrap. If so, place that side against your skin. Continue wrapping the boxing tape in the same direction around the wrist four times.

    • 2

      Wrap the boxing tape around the palm of the hand between the thumb and index finger. Wrap the boxing tape around the thumb once so the tape ends up between the thumb and index finger. Wrap it around the wrist once.

    • 3

      Wrap the boxing tape twice around the knuckles of the four fingers, then around the wrist again. Alternate wrapping over the knuckles and around the wrist until you reach the end of the tape. Wrap the last bit of the boxing tape over the wrist and fasten the Velcro fastener attached to the end of the handwrap at the wrist. If the Velcro is not facing up, twist the end of the boxing tape so that it is and then fasten it.