Boxing is a sport that used to command this country's attention. There was a time when the sporting world would seem to stop spinning when a huge fight was on the horizon. Muhammad Ali's first fight with Joe Frazier on March 8, 1971 was one of those occasions and so was Sugar Ray Leonard's initial fights with Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns. Boxing rarely gets that kind of attention these days and the sport has lost much of its lure as a spectator sport. However, boxing is undergoing a bit of a renaissance as far as being a training tool -- especially for young people. There are two primary types of punching bags that build strength and endurance. The heavy bag builds both of those attributes. In order to have a good workout on a 25-pound heavy bag, an athlete must put all of his weight and strength in order to move the bag. A speed bad is much smaller and lighter and demands precision punches. A speed bags hangs from a swivel on a platform and improves an athlete's quickness, endurance and concentration.
What to Look for
It is important that children work on age-appropriate heavy bags. A 11- to 15-year-old should be able to use a 25-pound heavy bag without any problems. The young boxer can mover the bag with any kind of a punch and should be able to do it without getting hurt. However, ask that same youngster to train with a heavy bag that is 40 pounds or more and the resistance is simply too great. The speed bag is a bit simpler and there is not a huge difference between one used by adults or children. The difference is the height of the bag. A bag that is hung at a comfortable height should allow young people the opportunity to hit the bag at a comfortable rhythm and build speed and endurance.
Common Pitfalls
Boxing is a very difficult sport and it is easy to get into bad habits. When a young boxer is first starting to train, he or she needs a competent coach who will demonstrate the correct ways of hitting both the light and heavy bags. Doing the workout correctly is what is truly important so if the boxer is not watched carefully in the beginning stages, bad habits can easily take hold and keep the athlete from getting the most from workouts.
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