Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/31/2006

Question
Hello!  My son is fired up to learn how to box, and I just bought an 80 pound heavy bag for him to train/learn with.  Question: Have you ever hung one up in a home?  I want to put one in our basement, and don't want to do it wrong... any tips?  Thanks in advance.

SN

Answer
Hi Steve,

I have hung several heavy bags in homes. I can't exactly tell you how to hang yours specifically, because it really depends on how your basement is made. It is a high ceiling, or low ceiling, Are the ceiling beams exposed, are they 2x4, or 2x6, are their metal or wood support columns, are the wall studs exposed, will be the bag be in the center of an area or hung in a corner, etc. There Could be lots of variables that only you and your space can decide.

To overcome just about any arrangement, this link has many types of hanging hardware solutions.

Ringside bag hanging hardware * look on all pages
http://www.ringside.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2385

here is another link for similiar accessories

Titleboxing bag hanging accessories
http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bags-heavy-bag-accessories.html

and one more at Balasboxing
http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/catalog2.cgi?action=page&page=gear|heavy%20b...


Bag height is an often asked question. Basically, you want your son to be able to punch straight into the bag and make contact in the area just about the bag center. You do not want his normal contact too close the bag bottom, (bag too high) or up by the chains (bag too low).

Depending on the bag type and construction, the material inside a heavybag tends to "settle" to the bottom, making the bottom rock hard over time. Newer bags with soft cores, neopreme and water are better about this NOT happening.

Some bags have a bottom securing strap, which allows the bag to be "anchored" at the bottom, reducing it's swing. These is best of Corner hung bags, where your do not want the smacking into a wall. If your bag will be in a corner, and possibly hitting the wall, you may want to carpet or other other wise protect the wall surface. Unfortunately, Many years ago (before I knew better..) I once made a cross corner brace and hung a 70lb HB. During a moment lost moment of Zen karate kicking, the bag launched off my foot and suspended IN the wall. It was then my "karma" to dig it out and re-sheetrock the wall. lesson learned.

Be sure your son uses proper hand protection, and watch him to be sure he punches correctly. Many a beginner "springs" or "jams" a thumb or wrist hitting a heavybag incorrectly.
here are some links that may help.

A cure for bag pain.
http://www.protectivestrategies.com/bagpain.html

heavybag training
http://www.protectivestrategies.com/heavybag.html

Heavybag training tips on Ironglovesboxing
http://www.ironglovesboxing.com/html/heavy_bag_training.html

Heavybag training video clips (a lot of good clips on various training topics. watch them all... particularly on hand wrapping)
http://www.ironglovesboxing.com/html/video_clips.html

for your son, you might also consider floor mounted bags,
specialty bags http://store.titleboxing.com/sbrb-u.html

or a Double End Bag
http://store.titleboxing.com/double-end-bags1.html

or a speed bag. http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/skill_levels#B

They all are useful with low injury potential.

here are some good traing tip links on Balaszboxing  http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/catalog2.cgi?action=page&page=in%20the%20gym

Good luck and I hope you and your son have a fun training experience together.

sincerely
Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
video clips on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/results?search=speedbag1&search_type=search_videos