Expert: Alan Kahn - 7/17/2003

Question
How am I supposed to use this darned thing.  I just cant' figure it out.  I'm not even sure of the name, I believe it is a headache bag.  It is a spherical bag mounted by two bungee cords one on the bottom and another on top.

Answer
Hi Matthew,

a "headache" bag is usually a double end bag with a squared shape instead of a round shape. I don't know why it is called a headache bag. It probably sounds more forboding and sells a lot more that way. Double end bags come in several shapes and sizes. See some at:

Ringside:
http://www.ringside.com/store/products_punchingbags.asp?dept=14&pagenumber=10

but a double end bag IS a great bag for punching and learning how to target your punches, and timing of combinations. You attach one bungee hook up high, and one down to the floor. the cords must be strung tight so the bag is suspended between them. When you hit the bag, it will spring back and forth, away from you and toward you, until you hit it again.  You must time your punches to hit it just as it is coming at you. Start easy by using very soft punches, jabs and straight punches. Be careful as the bag swings toward you, for it could hit you if you are in the wrong place or too close.  That makes it good for letting it breeze close to your face, just missing you. This is like slipping close punches so you won't flinch.

This all takes time, patience and practice. Go Slow and keep control of your movements. there is a pretty good training video out on using punching bags, that has a section on using the Double End Bag.  It is called:

Punching Bags  "A Way Of Fitness" by George Albergo.

Get this at:  http://www.physicalsuccess.com/products/videos.htm

He demonstrated how to use this double end bag, And does a pretty good job of it.

see more different Double-End bags at:

TitleBoxing.com
http://store.titleboxing.com/specialty-bags.html


Thank you for the question, and I hope this has helped you. And please train safely.

Alan Kahn
author: The Speed Bag Bible