The punch mitts is a crucial piece of equipment in boxing training and also serves as a vital tool for boxing coaches to assist in their fighters’ training. Essentially, a proficient boxing coach must also be an adept bag holder. For instance, Freddie Roach, the coach of Manny Pacquiao, frequently assists with holding the punch mitts during Pacquiao’s training sessions.Similarly, Floyd Mayweather Sr., the father of Floyd Mayweather Jr., often assists boxers with focus mitts holding techniques. As a seasoned boxing coach, I’d like to share some insights on focus mitts. Firstly, the purpose of hitting punch mitts is to enhance the boxer’s technical movements, accuracy, rhythm, and real-combat feel. In summary, hitting the mitts is not an end in itself but a means to improve boxing skills. Today, there are many unprofessional coaches, particularly those at gyms, who seem to have limited understanding of bag work, often resulting in confusing and haphazard instruction.
There are many types of punch mitts, and I have categorized them based on the ones I have used in my teaching over the years:
Standard Punch Mitts – These are the most common type, featuring a rounded or slightly curved striking surface.Ideal for practicing basic punches, combinations, and precision.Versatile and suitable for all levels of training.May offer less wrist support and padding compared to specialized mitts.
Curved Punch Mitts – Suitable for beginners, the target is fan-shaped with a circular dot at its center. It is easily accepted by novice boxers during target practice, and the price is generally affordable.
Air Punch Mitts – These are larger, heavily padded mitts that provide significant shock absorption.Designed to handle powerful punches and minimize strain on the holder.Excellent for power training and reducing impact on the holder’s joints.Bulkier and less mobile, making them unsuitable for speed drills.
Punch mitts are training equipment used in boxing and other combat sports to help improve punching technique, power, and accuracy. They are typically worn by a trainer or coach and held in front of the body to provide a target for the boxer to punch. The mitts are designed to protect the trainer’s hands and arms while also providing resistance to the boxer’s punches, allowing them to practice their technique and build muscle memory. Punch mitts are commonly used in training sessions and can be adjusted to simulate different types of punches and angles, making them a versatile tool for boxers of all levels.
Material Of Boxing Punch Mitts
Outer Material: The outer layer of punch mitts is often made from a durable, flexible material that can withstand repeated impacts. Common materials include leather (such as cowhide or buffalo leather), PU leather, vinyl, and synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Leather is particularly popular for its durability and ability to absorb shock, while synthetic materials offer a more affordable option.
Padding: Inside the outer material, punch mitts are typically lined with padding to provide cushioning and protection for the trainer’s hands and arms. The padding can be made from materials like foam, gel, or even air pockets. High-density foam is a common choice for its ability to absorb impact while still allowing the boxer to feel the resistance of their punches.
Straps and Fasteners: To secure the mitts to the trainer’s hands, punch mitts often include adjustable straps and fasteners. These can be made from materials like elastic, Velcro, or buckles, allowing the mitts to be customized to fit different hand sizes.
How To Training With Your Boxing Punch Mitts?
They allow the trainer to hold a pad that the boxer can punch, simulating the movement and feel of hitting an opponent.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use boxing punch mitts:
Preparation
Wear Protective Gear: As the trainer, wear protective gloves or mitt covers to protect your hands and wrists from impact. Boxers should also wear appropriate protective gear, such as headgear, mouthguards, and gloves.
Warm Up: Before starting any boxing training, perform a thorough warm-up to prevent injury and improve performance. This can include light cardio, stretching, and shadowboxing.
Grip the Mitts: Hold the mitts securely with both hands, positioning them in front of your body at a comfortable height. The thumbs should be on the inside of the mitts, with your fingers wrapped around the outside.
Maintain a Stable Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. This stable stance will help you absorb the impact of the punches and move with the boxer.
Training Techniques
Basic Punches: Start with basic punches like jabs, crosses, and hooks. The boxer should aim to land clean, controlled punches on the mitts, while the trainer can adjust the mitts’ position and movement to simulate different scenarios.
Combination Punches: As the boxer becomes more comfortable, introduce combination punches, where multiple punches are thrown in rapid succession. The trainer can vary the speed and direction of the mitts to challenge the boxer’s coordination and timing.
Defensive Drills: Use the mitts to practice defensive techniques like blocking, slipping, and parrying. The trainer can throw simulated punches or kicks at the boxer, who must react appropriately to defend themselves.
Footwork and Movement: Encourage the boxer to practice footwork and movement while punching the mitts. This includes stepping in and out, pivoting, and shifting weight. The trainer can adjust the mitts’ position to guide the boxer’s footwork and help them develop a more dynamic and effective fighting style.
Maintain open communication with the boxer throughout the training session. Provide feedback on their technique, timing, and power, and adjust the training accordingly.Vary the speed, direction, and intensity of the training to keep the boxer engaged and challenged.As the boxer improves, gradually increase the resistance and intensity of the punches to help them build strength and endurance.
Include periods of rest and recovery during the training session to prevent fatigue and injury.
By following these steps and tips, you can use boxing punch mitts effectively to improve your boxing skills and prepare for competition.
What Brand Of Boxing Punch Mitts Is Good?
Valleycomfy:This focus mitts are essential for developing punching and defensive skills, improving footwork, accuracy, and timing. Made with high-quality PU leather and durable stitching, they feature 1.5-inch dense foam padding for absorbing hard punches. The mitts are lightweight, breathable, and fit most hand sizes with an adjustable wrist strap. Ideal for kickboxing, Muay Thai, sparring, and various martial arts training.
Sanabul:Sanabul Essential Punch Mitts offer a perfect fit with hand-molded design, ensuring immediate comfort. Featuring Santec Ultra Light Foam, they absorb heavy punches without added weight. Made with durable Performance Engineered Leather, they withstand thousands of hits. The half-ball palm grips provide secure and comfortable use for trainers. Tested by top MMA fighters like Michael Bisping, Max Holloway, and Sean O’Malley, these mitts are designed to endure rigorous training.
Hawk Sports:These beginner-friendly punching mitts are versatile and durable, ideal for martial arts and boxing training. They feature EVA foam padding for shock absorption, heavy-duty straps, and a grip ball for a secure hold. Lightweight with curved foam, wrist support, and ventilation mesh, these mitts offer comfort during extended sessions. Made from premium polyurethane leather, they are built to withstand rigorous use.
Punching Mitts for Men, Women, & Kids, Leather Focus Mitts for Martial Arts & Boxing Training
RDX:The RDX Enhanced Precision Training Focus Pads are crafted for improving accuracy in combat sports like Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and more. Made from durable Maya Hide leather with EVA-Lution and Polygonal Fusion foam, they offer excellent impact resistance. These pads feature sweat-wicking fabric, ventilation for a breathable experience, and a Palm Dome design for a secure grip. The Quick EZ Hook-and-Loop closure ensures easy wear and optimal wrist alignment.
RDX Boxing Pads Curved Focus Mitts, Maya Hide Leather Kara Hook and jab Training Pads
FIVING:This high-quality training mat features soft, durable PU leather and excellent breathability thanks to its mesh design. Its dense foam construction offers superior shock absorption and cushioning, making it ideal for boxing, Taekwondo, martial arts, and aerobic exercises. Suitable for both professionals and beginners, it comes with a 30-day refund policy and lifetime customer service.
