In order to get fit in a variety of ways and to prepare optimally for sparring or competitions, pad training is an absolute must. Pads are therefore an essential part of the basic equipment of an ambitious boxer or good boxing studio. With this article we would like to help you to choose the right pads for your training.
What you will learn in this post:
Boxing Basics: What are pads anyway?
In martial arts, claws are pads that are not worn by the boxer, but by the trainer or training partner. They look like big animal claws, hence the name. The trainer wears the pads on his hands and can move them flexibly to challenge the boxer. The punch pad usually consists of a thick foam padding, so that the punches of the boxer are cushioned.
What is the benefit of pad training in boxing?
Training with hand pads or jab pads is essential in boxing if you want to get to a higher level. It challenges you on many levels. With the claw training, above all, impact power and speed are trained, because - unlike with other exercises - you execute the punches with full force. This is why protecting the trainer with well-padded pads is so important. The claw training can be designed very variably, according to the individual training goals - for example in a certain position to optimize a targeted punch or alternately to train endurance and coordination. In addition, you train certain punching techniques and combinations during pad training, which you later want to use in sparring or in competitions. Since the trainer or training partner also moves, a very dynamic training session is created and the boxer is challenged in various areas. A high degree of coordination and responsiveness is required of you, because the pad training simulates a fight with a real opponent.
The benefits of pad training 
- Simulation of a realistic boxing match
- Improving speed & coordination
- Training of special punching techniques and combinations
- Increase in accuracy and impact frequency
- Direct feedback on the power of impact
What are the training goals for pad training?
Pad training challenges you on both a physical and mental level. Key goals in pad training include:
elimination of impact inhibition
The first exercises in pad training are about breaking down the initial inhibition. Many beginners do not dare to hit their opponent or are reluctant to use their full power. Pad training can help to quickly break down this inhibition. You not only break down mental inhibitions during pad training, you also learn not to hold back physically.
Development of the sense of distance
In order to defeat your opponent in the ring, you have to develop a feeling for the right distance. Ideally, you learn to box at all three distances - short, medium, long. This allows you to access the widest possible repertoire of punches and punch combinations. In order to develop a sense of distance, you have to move a lot and constantly adapt to the new situation during training (e.g. changing the position of the claws, changing the position of the holder). Since your training partner is also in motion at the same time and the pads are positioned flexibly, the distance to the target changes and you are challenged anew every time. For example, you also improve your footwork significantly.
Improvement in punching power
Building your combat skills also involves improving your punching power. Your trainer can give you direct feedback on your shot through the pads. In addition, you can hear it yourself: If the hits sounded deep and dull, the blow was usually very powerful. Improving your punching power requires an optimal combination of different processes - muscle tension, shifting your body weight to the front leg, pelvic rotation and the correct execution of the shot. In the course of this you can also improve the speed of your shots.
increase in concentration
The ring isn't just about getting your shots and footwork right. You also have to keep an eye on your opponent at all times, assessing at lightning speed what his next action is. This requires a very high level of concentration and attention. The claw training serves to improve your comprehension, to assess the opponent's movements and to adapt to different situations.
increase in stamina
If your condition is already weak after the second round, even the best punching power will do you no good. So you have to make sure that you not only build muscle mass or muscle strength in order to be able to deliver hard punches, but that you also have stamina. The pad training helps you to increase your endurance so that your body is not exhausted after just a few minutes. Improving endurance is an important aspect of boxing training, because in competition it is not only the physical exertion that causes fatigue, but also the mental stress.
Optimization of precision
Getting your hits on target is absolutely essential to clinching victory. One of the central training goals is therefore to optimize the accuracy of the shot. Repetitive exercises in pad training are just the thing to improve your precision - especially on moving targets when the pads are placed in different positions.
Pratzen & Jab Pads: How to find the right pads for your training!
If there were only one pair of pads in the world, the decision would be a very easy one. The good thing that there are different models of hand mitts is that you can choose exactly the pair that suits you best. Don't worry: according to our pads guide, you won't have any trouble deciding!What kind of claws are there?
Hand mitts differ in various criteria - material, shape and size are among the main features. Here we present the most common models of hand mitts and jap pads :
shape
There are oval, round and square pads. Some models are curved, some are not. And most of the time, each form has its own advantages as well. The square claws offer a fairly large attack surface, which makes it easier for the boxer to land hits. The large punch pads are also suitable for training kicks as well as punches. If you want to increase the level of training, you should use small, oval-shaped jab pads. Many modern boxing pads are curved. As a result, the trainer can hold the pads well even with very hard punches and at the same time the punch of the boxer does not slip away so easily. Round-shaped claws help you focus on the target and land a precise punch.size
As already indicated, there are smaller and larger pads. However, most models are no larger than 25 cm.- larger claws are easier to hit, but only train your marksmanship to a small extent,
- larger pads are less flexible and therefore less effective for precise punch training,
- larger claws are often not so easy to hold when really hard punches are landed.
material
Most boxing pads are made of imitation leather or genuine leather - two materials that have been tried and tested in boxing for a long time. Both imitation leather and real leather are characterized by their high durability. For beginners or moderate fitness training, faux leather pads are absolutely sufficient. If you want to train intensively and at a high level, you should invest in long-lasting genuine leather pads.upholstery
Reliable padding is absolutely essential for pads, as the boxer should train with all his punching power so that the training is as realistic as possible. The standard padding for pads consists of foam. High-density foam reliably absorbs the impact. In addition, there are punching pads that are padded with gel in the target area, which has very good shock-absorbing properties.closure
Modern pads have a Velcro fastener that can be attached flexibly and therefore absolutely firmly to the hand. Some old school models only have one finger glove. This makes it difficult to hold the pads after strong hits. Nevertheless, many training partners get along very well with these models.Quality in hand mitts
The quality of claws and jab pads is not determined by the material alone. Punching pads made of imitation leather can also do a very good job and take a lot of hits. The most important thing is the processing of the materials. TUF WEAR has proven itself to be a proven brand in boxing for decades and provides boxers of all classes with high-quality equipment.
How much do good pads cost?
Pratzen belong to the basic equipment of an experienced boxer or good boxing studio. They train hard on them, so you should pay attention to a certain quality. Certainly there are already very cheap hand mitts. However, these will certainly not provide the longest service. Good pads made of imitation leather cost from around 40 euros. Also, if you're interested in claw training and various jab pads, you've probably been training for some time and know the importance of quality boxing equipment.
How do you hold claws correctly?
The pad training is always done in pairs, whereby the training partner is not a passive part, but has to actively participate in the training. Because the training can only be effective if the pads are held correctly.
- Basically, the claws should be held as close to the body as possible: Many beginners make the mistake of holding the claws far away - for fear of being hit by the blow. However, no reasonable counter-pressure can be exerted in this way so that the boxer does not feel as if he is punching the air. In addition, it is very exhausting for the arms to keep the pads stretched out.
- Pads should also always be held slightly forward , no matter what exercise is being trained. This position protects the wrists and arms - especially considering that a high force is applied with each hit. With curved boxing pads, the hands automatically assume a slightly bent position.
- Last but not least, it is important that the training partner creates a slight counter pressure when the punch lands on the pad. As a result, the boxer feels resistance and does not "punch in the air" or even slip off the claw.
Hold your claws: You should avoid these mistakes!
Many beginners lead the claw to the fist - often reflexively. However, you should get used to this automatic movement, because it does not allow the boxer to build up a sense of distance. Since pad training is about simulating a realistic fight, standing still is an absolute no-go for the pad holder. He too must keep moving, both in the arms and in the legs; move towards or away from the boxer. Just like a real opponent would do in the ring. Only then is pad training effective.
Here are a few typical pad training exercises
| This is how the trainer holds the pads | this is how you hit |
| at head level (face faces forward) | straight jab with lead hand / cross with hitting hand |
| right / left in front of the face (playing surface is slightly inclined) | right / left hook (sideways hook) |
| at chest level (face down) | uppercut |
The Victor pads belong to the curved jab pads that increase the hit probability. The upper is made of durable synthetic leather, so even high-intensity hits are no problem. The high-density padding is reinforced with gel in the target area, which provides particularly high shock absorption.
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The Air Focus pads help you focus on your target. Due to the round, relatively small shape, you have to concentrate 100% to hit your target. Because of their size, it will be more challenging for you to meet them. This raises your pad training to a demanding level.
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The Cuban pads from TUF WEAR offer a relatively large striking surface, which makes training on the pads easier for the boxer. They are therefore a good entry-level variant. You can also use the large Cuban Jab Pads to train not only punches but also kicks.
Go to ArticleWhat else do you need for pad training?
Good, now you know which pads are suitable for your training - and of course you also need a partner with whom you can train. In addition, these two things should not be missing during pad training:
- 1. Boxing gloves: Even if you hit padded targets during pad training, you absolutely need suitable boxing gloves. As a rule, the boxing gloves that are also used for sparring are used for training on the pads. Finally, a real fight is simulated with the paws - similar to sparring. But: If the claws are already damaged, it is better to use old boxing gloves. Then it's not so bad if the cracks in the pads damage the boxing gloves. You can find out here which weight to choose for sparring boxing gloves - and thus also for pad training.
- 2. Body protection for the trainer: If the training on the pads should be more varied and realistic, the trainer can wear a body shield. This protects the upper body from blows. So you can practice your hits directly on the body without injuring the trainer.