Expert: Lian Shoemake - 3/17/2005

Question
I've been boxing for about 2 years at home. I know you don't do training but I'm assuming you've been around boxing enough to answer this. I know this sounds goofy but it's driving me crazy. Shouldn't the speedbag be round, when you look at it from the bottom? I got a pretty good Everlast speedbag, but if you look at it from the bottom (for ex, laying on floor looking up at it hanging) it looks oval! So when I'm hitting it it wobbles like a football. I've tried all amounts of inflation too so I don't think that's the problem. Am I crazy or should it be round/symmetrical, or do I just need to practice more? Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

Answer
Hi 'Kane'

Thanks for the question.

The base of a speed bag is not necessarily a perfect sphere, and it is designed to move at different angles depending on precisely where it is hit. Remember, the speed bag is not soley about speed, but it also develops eye-hand coordination. One could master a round bag that would only move back and forth with one's eyes closed.

However, if you suspect that the bag is truly defective (which is possible), then exchange it or buy a new one, if it's too late to return your existing bag.

You might also want to check out some training videos that deal specifically with the speed bag. You can shop for some at www.everlast.com.

I hope this helps, Kane.

Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian