Have you been avoiding speed bag training just because you don’t know how to do it properly? Well, you’re missing a lot. If you’re planning on how to punch a speed bag, then this article is what you need right now. Keep on reading and jump in the speed bag training without thinking twice.
Benefits of Speed Bag Hitting
Before jumping into the procedure of speed bag hitting, let’s discuss some benefits you’ll get from speed bag training.
Consistency:
Consistency is the key to success in any kind of training. Especially in martial arts, all you have to take care of is consistent practice. Speed bag training can help you achieve the right amount of consistency and dedication.
If you want to be a competent fighter then you must learn how to work a speed bag. Also, it’ll help you with eye and hand coordination as well.
Best for Light Days
Kicking Speed Bag is one of the light exercises and everybody can easily perform it. Sometimes when a fighter doesn’t feel like hitting hard or having some injury, a speed bag workout is all you need. The speed bag is considered the best training equipment during healing or recovery days.
Some might tell you that you have to take a rest during your light days but you shouldn’t listen to them. Light training during your recovery days will certainly keep you in shape and help you as a fighter.
Keep you Responsive
Constant speed bag practice allows a fighter to be alert while keeping his hands up. This constant responsive mechanism will help you defend yourself faster than ever.
Moreover, keeping a hand up will also strengthen body muscles which has a positive impact during real fights. Imagine, your opponent keeps throwing hard punches right at your face. Will you get away with it? Yes, you can. Speed bag practice sessions can help you block all those punches by keeping your hands up.
How to Punch a Speed Bag
Hitting the double-end bag or speed bag seems easy but it’s not. At the start of the training, you will skip a lot of bouncing which will make you baffled. But doing it with full dedication will help you attain that specific rhythm.
Do you have a resilient speed bag at home? No? Don’t worry. Here are some best speed bag options for you so that you can practice at home when you’re not going to the gym.
Now, we are going to share a step-by-step guide on how to punch a speed bag.
1: Know the Rhythm
Do you know that speed bags have a certain type of rhythm? Now you know. When you hit a speed bag, it will bounce 3 times.
Such as backward-forward-backward, then again snap it with full force. You have to wait for three bounces, then hit hard. Following the rhythm from the start will help you learn faster. You don’t have to do much, just notice that certain rhythm, and you’re ready to punch the speed bag.
2: Don’t Make a Fist
We know you’re about to hit the speed bag with your fist. But let us tell you, speed bag hitting with a fist will make you lose balance and end up hurting yourself. It’s best if you hit the bag with an open hand in the initial levels. First, get used to speed bag punching, understand the rhythm, and then you can use your strong fists for hitting.
3: Don’t be Distant
Don’t forget this piece of advice when kicking the speed bag. Be close to the speed bag so that you don’t have to rush to hit. Keeping your hands far from the speed bag will make you move it too fast and then hit it way too hard.
Consequently, you can hurt your knuckles as well. Being close to the bag will help you respond when it bounces back to you.
4: No Back-Forth Movement
Have you ever seen an expert hitting a speed bag? If you did, then you must have noticed that he is not moving his hand in a back-and-forth direction, instead, he’s moving his hands in a small circle. Yes, small circles will help you learn speed bag punching faster.
Additionally, you can practice the small circular movement before the actual speed bag training.
5: Have a Square Stance
You shouldn’t overlook this tip when learning how to punch a speed bag. The boxing stance is not similar to the square stance.
You have to get your head and eye movement straight. Additionally, stand a little closer to the bag and keep both feet at a certain distance. Getting the right square stance is an important step to learning speed bag hitting.
Manny Pacquiao on the Speed Bag
Here’s the video of Manny Pacquiao when he’s hitting the speed bag. This video will help you in understanding the phenomenon of speed bag punching. Watch carefully.
How High Should a Speed Bag be?
First of all, you have to find a flat ceiling that shouldn’t be too high or too low. If you don’t have the perfect height ceiling, you can get a suitable speed bag platform, here are some amazing deals on speed bag platforms for you.
Now that you have figured out your bag hanging spot, adjust the bag right above eye level. It shouldn’t be too high on your head. You can go between 0.5 to 1 ft above your head for comfortable speed bag hitting.
How to Install a Double-End Bag?
Installing a double end or speed bag can be pretty challenging for anyone. But the right kind of equipment will make it a cup of tea. All you need is a sturdy speed bag platform, install it to the wall with the help of screws and jolts. After that, adjust the double end or speed bag in the hook. Now, you can punch the bag as hard as you want.
Final Thought:
Don’t be skeptical about learning speed bag punching. As a fighter, it’s important to get skills in every aspect. If you’re still questioning how to punch a speed bag, then you should read this article again.
After that, consult your trainer or senior for a better understanding. Constant practice will make you a better speed bag puncher.
