Punching mitts, also called “focus” mitts, significantly impact a boxer’s focus and technique. For beginners struggling with precision and accuracy, training with mitts under expert guidance can be transformative. In a very short time, punching mitt drills can help improve aim and refine technique, which is essential for any boxer.
Read on to learn punching mitts, their advantages, and some of the top picks of focus mitts from the famous Hit N Move brand.
What is Punching Mitts?
Punching mitts are valuable boxing gear that improves a fighter’s accuracy, speed, and technique. They are padded targets worn by a coach or a partner, helping the boxer precisely practice punches and combinations.
The focus mitts provide a realistic target for the boxer to aim at, which helps them develop hand-eye coordination and timing. Moreover, the coach simulates different defensive techniques, making punching mitt drills integral to boxing training for boxers at all experience levels.
The 5 Benefits of Using Punching Mitts in Training
Their benefits extend beyond simple practice. It comprehensively improves several aspects of a fighter’s abilities and overall fitness. Here are the key benefits boxers can gain from practicing with punching mitts.
- Develop Punching Skills
One of the main benefits of using punching mitts is they help develop crucial punching skills. These include
- Technique
- Speed
- Endurance
- Power
- Accuracy
- timing.
Mitts training allows boxers to refine their techniques, ensuring they can deliver punches more effectively and efficiently. A coach holding the mitts can provide the right feedback to help adjust angles and force—leading to more powerful and precise punches. Additionally, regular mitt work builds speed and endurance, which are crucial for maintaining performance in a match.
- Enhance Fighting Skills
Beyond just improving punching technique, punching mitt work is invaluable for practicing overall fighting skills. Simulating real fighting scenarios enables boxers to practice combinations, defensive maneuvers, and counter-attacks in a controlled environment.
The training sharpens reflex responses and further enhances strategic thinking, empowering fighters to anticipate and respond effectively to opponents’ moves.
- Boost Body Strength
Focus mitts contribute to building body strength. Their repetitive motions and resistance engage various muscle groups, such as the shoulders, arms, core, and legs. Over time, this increases muscle tone and strength and improves athletic performance and endurance.
- Reduce the Risk of Injury
Training with punching mitts significantly reduces the risk of injury. With the cushioned target that absorbs impact, boxers can protect the hands and wrists from damage. This is particularly vital for new boxers who are developing their punching form. Also, proper mitt work encourages good technique, which minimizes the chances of injuries during actual fights or hard-core training sessions.
- Increase Confidence
Regular practice using punching mitts significantly boosts fighters’ confidence. As skills improve and physical strength increases, fighters experience a sense of accomplishment and readiness for a match in the ring. This enhanced confidence translates into better performance, as fighters feel more prepared and capable of handling fight situations.
What are some features of good focus pads?
What makes Focus Mitts a good purchase? Like any other boxing equipment, you must look into some of the features before buying a pair of this useful training tool. Here are some must-have features so you don’t regret wasting money.
- Punch mitts should be well-padded:
Flexibility with soft and hard surfaces, shock resistance, and quality padding make the punch mitts worth buying. Focus pads should be well-padded, because if they are not, your hands may get severely hurt.
Plus, it will cost you because, due to less padding, wear and tear will start sooner, mostly after a few days of training. The Turtle mitts from Hit N Move come with top-notch padding, which makes them resilient and reduces the risk of your hand getting injured while punching hard.
- Invest in long-lasting focus pads:
Invest in focus mitts made with quality fabric that will stay in good shape for years. Boxing gear has to receive quite a lot of punches, so it must be crafted with material that will keep it in top condition for years, such as the turtle mitts from Hit N Move.
Another advantage of investing in premium focus pads is that they are manufactured with sweat-wicking fabric, making them moisture-resistant and odor-free.
- Look for both aesthetics and performance:
Since focus pads are primarily for training, the pair must be beautifully designed to motivate someone to hold it while you throw punches at it. Hence, keeping this in mind, the Turtle mitts have been designed to delight the coach holding them and make your gym ambiance amazing.
The bottom line
Focus pads are essential training gear for boxing, but many don’t know much about their use. They are actually for trainers to wear so they can align the boxer’s focus and improve their punching power. By now, you must be aware of focus pads, how they look, and why they matter.
So head to Hit N Move’s online store to check out the Turtle Mitts. Use them in your training to experience the difference firsthand.