The speed bag is one of boxing’s most useful pieces of equipment there is and it does not matter if you don’t have natural rhythm or coordination, you should learn how to hit the speed bag if you want to get better in boxing.
So, what do you need to know about how to hit a speed bag? As we just mentioned, even if you are not good at hitting moving targets, if you follow these simple tips you will be able to hit the speed bag and incorporate this exercise into your boxing training routine.
How to hit a speedbag for beginners
Every time you hit the speed bag it’s going to bounce three times so you have to maintain that rhythm. Therefore, if you hit the speed bag once it will go forward-back-forward and then you need to hit it again with the other hand and so on.
Beginners should start by hitting the bag twice with each hand without making a fist. They should also do this as softly as possible. This will help you learn the rhythm and get used to the exercise. Your hands will make small circles as they stay close to each other right under the bag. If you drop one of your hands and then go to hit the bag then it will bounce too hard.
Once you get the hang of how to hit a speed bag and the rhythm, you can do it with your hands closed forward and then down. Remember that the speed bag will rebound three times for every hit.
Tips for hitting the speed bag
How to hit a speed bag consists of pretty much what we just explained above, however here are 5 more tips that you will surely find useful:
- Open your hands: When hitting the speed bag don’t make a fist, at least while you are still learning. If you try hitting the speed bag with your knuckles you can lose control quickly and hit the bag too hard or too fast. Therefore, using just your fingers is the best option until you have had practice with the speed bag because you will be forced to slow down the pace while you are getting used to the rhythm.
- Keep both hands close to the bag: By keeping your hands close you can hit the bag without having to race your hands to it every time you are changing hands. This is why keeping them close will make everything run smoothly.
- Hit in small circles: Try making small circles with your hands when you hit the bag. The idea is not to hit it back and forth as if you were throwing punches. If you want, you can practice first in the air before hitting the speed bag.
- Maintain the rhythm: The best rhythm for beginners is right-right-left-left. On the first hit, you use the front of your fist and on the second hit, you use the bottom of your fist.
- Do not stand in a boxing stance: Don’t stand in a boxing stance, stand square, meaning that you should be in front of the bag with both feet at equal distance from the speed bag. Stand a little closer than arm’s length from the bag and your eye should be level with the bottom of the bag.
What is the best speed bag to buy?
You may want to start with a larger speed bag and then change to a smaller one when you get better at hitting it. However, it is ok if you want to start out with the smaller size since you may get used to it quickly and therefore you won’t have to replace it. A high-quality swivel is also a great option for a smoother swing, less noise and a long-lasting device.
Everlast Everhide Speed Bag
This is a great speed bag from Everlast made from carbon fiber for a long-lasting product. You can find it at $24.99 on Amazon and you will need to get a mounting board and other accessories separately.
HUNTER Speed Ball
This one of Amazon’s favorite speed bags made of genuine cowhide leather, lined with four layers of poly-cotton material. They are also individually shaped and balanced for rebound accuracy. It comes with hanging swivel and you can find it on Amazon at $39.99.
MaxxMMA Speed Bag
This is a large speed bag, also one of the most recommended products on Amazon. The dimensions are 10” x 7” and it is a great piece of equipment for developing speed, timing and accuracy. It is also balanced for true rebounds and speed.
The product comes with a hand pump and needle and you can find it at $26.99 on Amazon.
Pro Impact Speedbag Black
This is a very durable speed bag made from DU or high-quality leather material to ensure multiple beatings. A heavy-duty latex bladder prevents air loss even after repeatedly punching and the triple-reinforced seams increase the bag’s integrity and make sure that the direction of the bag is not affected after striking.
The pear shape of this speed bag is designed for rapid recoiling and for improving hand-eye coordination. There are options for different levels of expertise: it is available in extra small size 5″x7″, small size measuring 6″x9″ and medium size 7″x10″. Available on Amazon at $39.99.
Meister SpeedKills
Another great speed bag that you can find on Amazon at $29.99. It is made of genuine full-grain cowhide leather that is meant to last. The inner latex bladder provides faster performance and it is balanced and centered for consistent rebounds.
This speed bag is available in small (7.5″ x 5″), medium (9.5″ x 6″), or large (10.5″ x 7″) sizes.
If you have not yet incorporated speed bag exercises into your boxing routine, it is time to start! You will improve your boxing skills, such as hand-eye coordination, rhythm, endurance, speed and much more. Tell us in the comments below what your experience is after you try it out!
