Hitting focus mitts is one of the best and most fun parts of boxing training. It is so much more than just hitting a target that someone is holding for you. It is a fun and very active way to improve many of your different boxing skills at the same time. This blog is a simple guide for boxers on how you can get the most out of every single round of your Boxing focus mitt training.
Why is Focus Mitt Training So Important?
Mitt work is a very important part of a boxer's training because it is the closest thing you can get to a real fight. Unlike a heavy bag that just hangs there and does not move, a good coach with mitts will move around, change angles, and even throw soft punches back at you. This helps you to work on your defense at the same time as you are working on your offense, which is a key part of becoming a good boxer.
Working on the mitts is also a great way for a boxer and their coach to build a good connection. It is a time for a coach to see a boxer's good habits and bad habits up close in real time. It is also a way for the boxer and the coach to build a good rhythm and a sense of timing together, which is very important for a good partnership in the ring.
What Skills Can You Improve with Focus Mitts?
Mitt work is a great way to improve almost all of your boxing skills.
Your Punching Accuracy
Punching mitts for accuracy are a great tool because they are a much smaller target than a heavy bag. Hitting a small, moving target over and over again teaches a boxer to be very precise with every punch they throw. This helps you to land your shots more cleanly and with more power in a real fight.
Your Hand-Eye Coordination
This is a big part of the mental side of the drill. Mitt work is a great type of Boxing hand-eye coordination gear. You have to see the target that your coach gives you, you have to react to it, and you have to land your punch in the exact right spot, all in a split second.
Your Speed and Your Reflexes
Speed and reflex boxing mitts are used by a coach to help make a boxer faster. A good coach will move the mitts quickly and will show you targets in different and surprising patterns. This forces you to react very quickly and helps to improve your defensive reflexes, like slipping and rolling under punches.
Learning New Combinations
Mitts are the best Boxing pad drills equipment for practicing new punch combinations. A coach can call out a combination, like a "1-2-3," and you can practice throwing those punches on the moving targets. This helps to build the muscle memory you need to be able to throw those combinations without thinking in a real fight.
(Also Read: Focus Mitts Or Punching Bags? Which One To Train With?)
How to Have a Good Mitt Session?
Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your work:
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Try to Stay Relaxed: It is very important for you to stay relaxed and not get too tense when you are hitting the mitts. If your shoulders and your arms are too tight, your punches will be slow and will use up a lot of your energy. Staying relaxed will help your punches to be faster and more fluid.
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Do Not "Push" Your Punches: You should always focus on "snapping" your punches off the face of the mitt. You should not try to push through it with a lot of force. A good, snappy punch is a much better technique and is also much safer for the person who is holding the mitts for you.
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Listen to What Your Coach Says: The most important part of a good mitt session is to listen to your coach. They are holding the mitts for you for a reason. They can see what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong, and they will give you small tips to help you get better with every punch.
Wrapping Up
Boxing focus mitt training is one of the best and most complete ways for a boxer to improve their skills. It helps with your accuracy, your speed, your power, and your defense all at the same time. It is a key part of the training for any serious boxer. Check out our professional-grade focus mitts on our website.
Contact us at sales@hitnmove.com if you are ready to take your training to the next level?
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Can I use my sparring gloves to hit focus mitts?
Yes, you can. It is actually a very good idea to use the same gloves for your mitt work that you use for sparring, which are usually 16 oz gloves. This helps you to get used to the weight and the feel of the gloves you will be using in a real fight.
What is the difference between focus mitts and Thai pads?
Focus mitts are small pads that are worn on the hands and are used for practicing just punches. Thai pads are much larger, thicker pads that are worn on the forearms. They are used in Muay Thai to practice punches, but also kicks, knees, and elbows.
How does hitting mitts help with my footwork?
A good coach will not just stand still when you are doing mitt work with them. They will move around the ring, forcing you to follow them and to cut off their angles. This is a great way to practice your footwork at the same time as you are practicing your punches.
