Tips on Punching an Electronic Punching Bag

Once upon a time, punching bags were all the same canvas model hanging from a joist, preferably wrapped several times with duct or medical tape. Since the 1980s, increasingly technical models have hit the market. Century martial arts introduced the first free-standing bag, then a water-core bag that was easier on the hands and felt more like striking a human body. Electronic punching bags are another advancement, rating the power, accuracy and speed of the athlete striking the bag.

Maintain Proper Technique

During your sessions, remember all the basic technique from your chosen style of martial art. Because hitting an electronic bag feels a lot like a video game, it's easy to get excited. The next thing you know, you're up on your toes, punching with your arms instead of your body, and generally fighting like it was your first lesson. If you find yourself doing this, put your heels back on the ground, breathe deeply into your belly and fire a dozen or so perfect, slow punches into the bag.

Wear Gloves or Wraps

Electric punching bags, and electric machines that attach to regular punching bags, are usually harder and pointier than your standard punching surface. You don't have to put on "pillow fight" high-padding boxing gloves, but a pair of standard bag or mixed martial arts gloves should do fine. This will prevent you skinning or popping a knuckle on the surface of the equipment.

Precision is More Important Than Strength

This is true in most martial disciplines. The fact that an electronic punching bag measures only a defined area helps to drill this in. If you miss the sensor zone by a fraction of an inch, the bag will measure your punch as significantly weaker than if you hit on target. In this way, electronic punching bags are one of the better tools to encourage powerful, precise striking.

Drill With a Partner

Many models of electronic punching bag have video-only feedback. This means taking your eyes off the bag every time you want to check your performance. If you drill with a partner, he can read your performance off so you don't have to break rhythm or concentration. This is in addition to the standard benefits of partner training, such as accountability, encouragement and having somebody to hold the bag steady.

References

• John Phan, Martial Arts Instructor and Kickboxing Coach, Albuquerque, NM
• Bodybuilding: The Art of Boxing
• "Bushido Martial Arts Yellow Belt Manual"; Bushido Martial Arts; 2005