Expert: Alan Kahn - 11/28/2008

Question
I am building my own heavy bag stand.  Basically with 4"x4" posts, cemented in the ground.  The bag is a 70 lb bag.  Are there particular deminsions I have to be aware of?  Should the posts be a certain minimum distance from each other?  How about the hieght to have the bag hang properly.  Any advise is greatly appreciated.  Thanks Pete

Answer
Hi Pete,

Building your own equipment is always exciting.  Basically you are asking two questions.  

1. Are there any dimensions to be aware of when hanging a bag between two posts.  

Answer:  Ideally, I would be sure the swinging bag does not hit either of the posts when it is swung to point that the bottom is about level with the middle of the bag.  You would like to have enough room to move all around the bag, circling in either direction and punching. If the bag keeps banging into the posts it will screw up the swing and bag movement, not to mention possible damage the 4x4 posts.  

2. Height to Hang the bag.  
Answer: This depends on YOUR height and chain hanging system. You would like to throw a straight Jab and Straight Punch to hit around the middle of the bag or slightly higher. You'll have to figure out how long your chain is, and how how you need to set your crossbar between the posts. This length would obviously be different if you are 5ft 4inch versus 6ft 4inch tall.  I can't give you a standard on that for it can really vary. Hopefully you will have an adjustable chain length. YOu do not want to be punching right up at the top area of the bag where the chain connects, or way down at the bottom where the bag will barely swing.

I don't know how to figure these heights automatically. Anytime I've hung a bag I know I want about two inches above the bag center at about 5 ft high, which is about where my straight punches would be. From that point, I'd measure up to the top of the bag and to the end of the extended chain. that is the distance the chain needs to be connected. So, if from my punch point (5 feet) it is 3 ft 6inches to the end of the extended chain, I need to hang the chain at 8ft 6inches, or make the chain shorter if I can't get it that high.

I hope that makes sense to you.  You may need a friend to help hold the bag to line these up.

good luck and thanks for you question.

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible