What is a Speed Bag?
A speed bag is an essential training accessory used in boxing and is used to practice swift and speedy punches. The speed bag consists of a small punching bag connected to a mechanism that allows it to come back quickly as you punch it. Therefore, it allows you to throw punches in quick succession.
Speed bags are highly beneficial in helping boxers develop their boxing skills and also enhance their agility and reflexes. Therefore, you can use speed bags to add more speed and power to your punches.
How to Use the Speed Bag
The speed bag is mounted in a way that it hangs in mid-air, at a height that is just above the boxer’s head. It can be mounted in three different ways: with a ceiling mount, a wall mount, or a platform. If you don’t want to put any effort into setting it up, you should go for a platform mount as it requires minimal setup.
On the other hand, if you get a ceiling or wall-mounted speed bag, you will have to get a professional to mount it for you. Otherwise, you need to get a drill, screws, and bolts to put it together, requiring time and knowledge of carpentry to install it properly.
Depending on the mounting option you choose, you would be able to attach the speed bag in some time. The next step is to position yourself for practice. Firstly, stand close to the speed bag - close enough that your arms aren’t extended. You shouldn’t take a normal boxing stance, because power isn’t the key thing you have to focus on. Rather, stand straight with the speed bag in front of you.
Also, make sure you wear boxing gloves, inner gloves, or hand wraps before you start hitting the speed bag. The first time you hit it, you will notice that it will bounce back and forth thrice, so wait before you land another punch. If you are new to boxing, then you can also start hitting with an open hand and slowly make a fist when you have gotten the hang of it. Over time, start to alternate your hands and slowly build up a steady rhythm.
Once you have developed a good pace really gotten into it, you can start developing a different pattern. For instance, you can hit 2 left punches followed by 2 right punches. With every punch, your hand should travel in a circular motion.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Speed Bag
Buying the speed bag will work wonders for your boxing skills, and the agility and reflexes that you develop from training on it will help you greatly in the ring. However, choosing the perfect speed bag is key to your training, and there are several important factors that you should consider before choosing one.
Size
Speed bags are available in different sizes, and the size you choose plays a major role in your training. You may also go from a different size speed bag as your skill level progresses. Smaller-speed bags move much faster when you punch them, and this makes them harder to hit. However, they don’t require as much power to move as larger-speed bags would. Larger speed bags are also much slower and aren’t suitable for boxers who are used to hitting faster.
Therefore, beginners can start with a large-sized speed bag and slowly progress towards smaller sizes as they develop more speed and agility. If you don’t know how to control your power in the beginning, larger sizes would help you do that. A small-sized bag usually ranges between 6.5” x 4” and 8” x 5”, whereas large-sized speed bags classify as 11” x 8” to 13” x 10”.
Materials
Another important factor in the selection of a suitable speed bag is the materials from which it is made. The choice of materials is directly related to the durability of the bag, and the more durable the bag, the faster and harder you may be able to hit it. The best material for speed bags is genuine leather, and although it is expensive, it provides the perfect surface for hitting.
If you are on a budget, you can also buy synthetic leather speed bags. They are much more affordable and still offer decent durability. However, synthetic leather can be quite slippery and may be difficult for you to hit when you are starting out. If you go with genuine leather, you will have to wipe it clean after every use, as well as condition it to keep it in good shape.
While checking out the materials for the speed bag you want to buy, also make sure to check out whether it has reinforced seams or not. Otherwise, the bag might get deformed or start to rip at the seams much quicker.
Inner Bladder
The inner bladder is another key component of the speed bag. It affects the speed with which the bag moves, as well as its weight and durability. Ideally, you should buy a speed bag with a heavy-duty latex inner bladder, as it is lightweight and soft to the touch. However, there is always a risk of the latex bladder leaking.
You can also find rubber bladders, but they are heavier and will slow down the speed bag. The most low-quality inner bladders are made from plastic and you should avoid them at all costs.
Some Buyers Also Ask
How are speed bags different from double-end bags?
Speed bags are mounted from the top using a swivel that helps the bag swing back and forth, whereas a double-end bag is attached from the top and bottom with elastic ropes.
Do I need to wear boxing gloves while punching a speed bag?
Boxing gloves are advised while you are practicing, but you can also make do with inner gloves or hand wraps, as they help protect your skin.
What do I do if the speed bag is noisy?
Generally, smaller speed bags don’t make much noise when you punch them, but you can get a high-quality swivel or lubricate your existing swivel from time to time to reduce the noise.