Gym Menu
Overview
Being able to do something is easy, but to do it well, whenever it is called upon, consistently and effectively requires drill work. Drilling a technique is the only way it's ever to become an effective technique. If someone says, "I learned how to punch and I'm ready to get in the ring," they're lying. You have to use drills while working the pads, hitting the bag, or with another person. Only then will you have a chance of executing the technique in the ring.
Focus Mitts
A focus mitt looks like a catcher's glove and are used in a similar way. A catcher's gloves receives a baseball from a pitcher while a focus mitt receives a fist from a boxer. Focus mitts are sometimes referred to as focus pads, punch mitts, or simply, "the pads."
The purpose of the focus mitts is to fine tune your technique and to provide an excellent cardiovascular work-out. Not only can you work a boxer's offense, but their defense as well.There are two common methods for holding the focus mitts. In the video clip to the right, the first method has the holder positioning the mitts at a 90 degree angle.
Two Person Drills
Having a training partner increases the effectiveness of your work-out. Whether it is jogging with a friend or having someone to shoot hoops with, you tend to do the exercise longer and in some cases, more intense. In boxing, two person drills improves your timing and accuracy among other attributes. One drill that improves your sparring skills is what I like to call "catch and return." Basically, one partner throws a punch (or combination) while the other blocks/defends himself then returns the same combination. Then after a few times doing this, the second boxer initiates. *Note* The boxer in white is a beginner, this is his first time doing this.
