One question is how to properly box on a classic punching bag . The other question is how to train on an angle punching bag? After all, there must be a difference in the types of punching bags, right?! After this article you will be smarter and can implement the tips you have learned directly.
What you will learn in this post:
- What distinguishes the two types of punching bags
- What you train on the angle punching bag
- What you should consider when training on the Angle Bag
Heavy Bag or Angle Bag: What is the difference between the punching bags?
While the Heavy Bag is the classic punching bag in the boxing studio, gym or at home and has a regular, cylindrical shape, the Angle Bag has a small curve. It is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, making its shape similar to the human physique. An angle is created at the transition between the wide and narrow point, which is why the Angle Bag is also called an angle punching bag.
While the classic punching bag and the angled punching bag differ mainly in their shape, there are no differences in weight or there are both punching bags in different weight classes.
What is the Angle Bag used for in boxing training?
Due to the special shape of the Angle Bag , it is mainly used in training to improve upper cuts. With a hard, well-placed uppercut from your hitting hand, you can land a KO hit very reliably - provided you have carefully trained your upper cuts!
What is important with the upper cut?
It doesn't matter whether you hit with the lead hand or the hitting hand: The uppercut always aims at your opponent's chin. At a 90° angle, your arm with the punching fist is pointing up. Since you don't get the strength from your arm - you can't get enough momentum over the short distance - you have to use your hips very well. So if you lowered your punching fist briefly to prepare for the upper cut, you rotate the hip of the punching side forward as the fist swings upwards. Your punch will get more power if you straighten your leg and lift your heel off the ground (leg and foot on the punching side).
You should consider this when uppercut:
- In order to land a hit with the upper cut, you have to stand in close proximity to the opponent. This always involves a certain risk that the opponent will launch an attack himself. So be sure to quickly cover your face with your fist again after the punch.
- If you have to take too big a step, you won't have the necessary stability and position to execute the uppercut correctly and powerfully. There is a risk of losing your balance or receiving an opponent's hit.
- Unless the momentum for the uppercut comes only from the arm or shoulder, it won't have much impact. Sometimes it bounces off the opponent's cover. So you should always make sure to include your hips.
How do you train on the angle punching bag?
When you first see an angled punching bag, you might think that the wider shape at the top simulates an opponent's torso, and the narrow, lower half represents the legs. However, the upper cut should not land on the opponent's ribs, but on his chin. The angle punching bag is therefore hung up in such a way that the upper part represents the opponent's head and the angle is at the height of the chin.
When training, try different punch combinations that involve the upper cut. For example, you can jab the punching bag first, then a cross, a left hook, and finally an upper cut. This would be a good striking technique to take advantage of a gap in the opponent's cover. Jab, cross and sideways hook land on the straight, lower piece with the angle punching bag. You then throw the uppercut into the corner.
You can find more upper cut box combinations here .
Can't I just train upper cuts on the heavy bag?
Basically, you are of course free to choose which punching bag you want to use to train your punching techniques. The advantage of the angle bag when practicing upper cuts is that you don't slip your fist when hitting the angle. The Heavy Bag has no curve that would stop your fist. There is a risk that you will slip after the hit and, depending on the power of the hit, stumble forward. The angle of the Angle Bag simulates the opponent's chin very well, and you wouldn't slip away from it either. And because you can not only train upper cuts on the angle punching bag, but basically all punching techniques, it is a great all-rounder for your boxing training.
If you are looking for an alternative to the angle punching bag, we recommend a wrecking ball. The punching pear , also known as Big Berta, is a drop-shaped punching bag. You can train your uppercuts wonderfully on the curves.
Customers ask, we answer!
How big should an angle punching bag be?
When training on the angle punching bag, you focus on punching techniques, i.e. the head and upper body. Since you don't train kicks, angle bags don't have to be very big. Between 100 and 120 cm is ideal for most boxers.
How heavy should an angle punching bag be?
When it comes to the weight of the Angle Bag, it mainly depends on you and your power. If you're a heavy hitter, you should definitely use a heavy punching bag. Otherwise the Angle Bag will swing back and forth too much. The angle punching bag should then be between 40 and 50 kg. Angle bags with 25 or 30 kg are recommended for beginners and people with a low body weight.
How do you hang up an angle punching bag correctly?
When assembling the punching bag, you should always check beforehand whether the wall or ceiling is sufficiently stable to be able to bear the weight of the punching bag and the effects of the training. The height at which you attach the Angle Bag depends on your height: always remember that the angle simulates the opponent's chin. So hang up the punching bag in such a way that you hit this hitting surface well at a 90° angle.
What is included in the first boxing equipment for beginners?
You should definitely wear boxing gloves and boxing bandages during training. The boxing equipment protects your fingers and wrists from injuries.