Boxing pads, or punching mitts, are padded, flat, circular gloves used by boxing instructors to sharpen the ring skills of the fighters they teach. The trainer places his hands in the pads and holds them as targets for the boxer while moving like a competitor in the ring. Training with the pads helps sharpen your technique, timing and rhythm, while increasing your ability to punch for longer abilities of time and with more accuracy.
Parry/Punch
To parry a punch is to swat it away from its intended point of contact, using the open palm of your hand. In boxing, parrying is mostly used to deflect straight punches, primarily the lead-hand jab. The best way to use this technique is by moving your hand slightly down and forward, just before the punch reaches its destination.
If you and your opponent are right-handed fighters, block his straight left jab with your right hand. Do this by knocking the punch down, quickly and sharply, moving your glove no more than 3 inches out from the traditional "hands-high" guard. The "parry and punch" technique allows you to divert your adversaries attack and immediately follow it with one of your own.
Practice this maneuver by having your trainer throw a left jab, with the punching mitt, while holding his right hand up and outward of the same side jaw. Once you deflect his blow, immediately after launch a counter-jab of your own into the pad on his right hand. Make the punch quick and fierce, leaving no time for your adversary to reset his guard. Practice doing this for the first 30 to 60 seconds of every round, sometimes returning with two or three jabs after blocking the first. However, repeatedly perform this maneuver at different times throughout your training session, so that the motion becomes reflexive and automatic.
Touch-and-Go
Touch-and-go is the name of a boxing maneuver used by savvy amateur and professional fighters. It entails blocking your opponent's attack, then instantly counter-punching the area of her body left open during her assault. When your trainer feigns an adversary's assault, by swinging a mitt to either side of your head or body, you can practice this technique.
When you dip to your side and block a body shot with your elbow, for instance, fire an uppercut from the same side. If she attacks with a hook to the head, throw a punch with the hand used to defend it. In order to strike you, your opponent must first open her guard on the side that she punches from. During each three-minute round of training, devote the last 60 seconds to the rehearsal of this skill. The aim of using this technique is to connect with your counter-punch before she can reset her hand in defense. With some practice, you will develop the ability to consistently land punches in retaliation without forethought or hesitation.
Rapid Fire
This is a simple drill that, if practiced regularly, can improve your punching speed and stamina. This exercise begins with your trainer holding both mitts in front of him at head level. For at least 20 seconds, rapidly fire straight, sharp punches into the pads, alternating between your left and right hands. When you can complete 20 seconds reasonably well, extend the time to one minute, then add another 30 seconds and so on. Put this technique into practice during the last part of every round. By doing so, you will press your body to perform when tired, increasing your cardiovascular conditioning. Before long, you'll find your "snap," speed and punching endurance will increasing dramatically.
Posted in: Boxing Exercises