Punching mitts are padded gloves a boxing coach puts on his hands while training a fighter. Also known as focus mitts, punching mitts are constructed of vinyl or leather with foam padding between the surface and palm of the hand. Punching mitts slide on the coach's hands and are secured with hook and loop fasteners.
Punching mitts help users achieve many safety and training goals. They protect the coach's hands while the fighter throws a punch; develop a fighter's punching timing and augment sparring with another person. Punching mitts also allow a fighter to learn defensive movements and counter punching without the dangers of getting hit.
Punching mitts allow coaches to get up close and personal with a fighter. The closer the coach is to a fighter, the better he will be able to teach technique. The coach calls out combinations of punches and evasive movements. The fighter completes these directions over and over, creating valuable muscle memory.
What to Look for
Look for cupped mitts in the shape of a hand. These types of mitts are designed to catch the punch, dispersing impact, making holding them easier on the coach's shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. The cupped shape also provides the coach better leverage and a more comfortable feel.
Consider the size and power of the person hitting the gloves. A heavyweight fighter punches hard so the coach needs thicker gloves. If the coach is training a child, less padding is needed.
Many types of punching mitts have target dots on them. These dots help boxers aim punches. Also, when the fighter hits the target dot, the mitt emits a loud "pop," providing positive reinforcement.
Ask yourself if you plan on kneeing or kicking the punching mitts. The legs generate more force and power than the hands. If you are planning on kicking or kneeing, as well as punching, buy thick Muay Thai pads.
Punching mitts are one size fits all. However, fighters are not one size fits all. If you're going to be training people of different skill and power levels, buy multiple pairs.
Common Pitfalls
Durability is a big issue with punching mitts. Some have thin stitching that doesn't hold up to the abuse punching mitts are going to take. The stitching can break, causing the insides to come out.
Other punching mitts have open fingers. These slip off the hands easily, especially if the fighter is punching hard. They also slip off the hands when they get sweaty, and your hands will get sweaty.
Member Comments