In order to perform well, a boxer must train rigorously in the gym. A fighter needs to develop the grace and strength to dismantle his opponent, skillfully, in the ring. His regimen must consist of movements specific to the sport. A typical boxing gym will contain many training tools, each one designed to advance a certain element of the fighter's craft.
Slip Bag
The slip bag, also called a maize bag, is a training device used to improve a boxer's ability to dodge punches in the ring. It is made of a small, leather-like sack, hung from the ceiling by a length of rope. The rope can be tied and retied, so that the underside of the bag rests at chin-level. A boxer stands in front of the slip bag with his guard held high, then gives it a moderate push. As the bag swings back and forth, the fighter practices weaving his head from side to side. When the slip back slows, the boxer gives it another push and continues the drill.
Timekeeper
In boxing, the action between fighters goes on for three-minute time periods. This is followed by one minute of rest, in which both competitors return to a corner of the ring to receive instruction and care. A specific clock was designed to mimic this stop-and-go cycle during training in the gym. The timer sounds a loud bell at the beginning of each round. It rings again at end of three minutes. Then, only one minute passes before the bell chimes to start the next work session. Some timers will also make a distinct sound, 30 seconds before the end of each round, to let the boxer know he has only a few moments remaining to score points.
Head Bag
The head bag is a miniature version of the classic heavy bag, and it hangs at the average height of an opponent's head. A boxer uses it to practice targeting and landing punches at precise locations on his adversary. The head bag, however, is designed to develop skill, not power. When used properly, a fighter executes quick and sharp blows to certain points on the bag that symbolize an opponent's chin, eye bones, jaw and ears.
Speed Bag
The speed bag is a training device that helps fighters develop quick hands and reflexes. It is a melon-sized, tear-drop shaped pouch, that hangs directly beneath a horizontal wood platform. The boxer hits the bag in a rhythmic tempo, one hand over the other, for a specified period of time. As his skill increases, the fighter can enhance his workout by punching at various speeds and in a diverse arrangement of hand combinations.
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