Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/28/2007

Question
I just started training on a speed bag. The problem that I am having is that the bag keeps going in every which direction when I hit it. Is this due to the swivel I have or am I just hitting it in the wrong spot? Another question is how high should the platform be above your head?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jason,

These speed bags are pesky little devils, subject to fly off in all directions.....

The problem you describe is very common for a beginner. Certain equipment issues can influence the bags rebound. Some swivels seem to influence the rebound a bit, (not much) and a bag that is warped in shape or out-of-round can create errant rebounds, but I doubt that is your problem the bag is "constant" going off track. That is a sign of either miss-hits or making incorrect contact. You may be hitting the bag in the wrong spot, or you may be hitting it with different angles and movements to cause it to rebound awkwardly. The bag always reflect what YOU do to it, so I imagine you are hitting it inconsistently.


Look here http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/multimedia?type=vid_2&c=3&p=1&clientId=55
and click on the link for speed bag combinations, then look at videoclip #10 & #11. This may help you begin to hit it with the same repetitive motion, and contact the same area on the speed bag (hit the fatest part, or "the belly".)
Start easy, using just the weight of your hand. YOu really want to work on control, NOT speed. Speed will come later automatically.

Actually, the height of the platform is not the main concern for you setup, because your key area of measurement is the fatest part (belly) of the bag. That should be about level with your mouth. See this picture: http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/skill_levels#B

This height will allow your hands to move in the correct motions and help you "punch from all around the bag". No matter what size bag you use, adjust the board to try and get the belly at your mouth level so you can use the same swinging motion.

IF you are only going to punch in typical boxing method from the front area only, you could set it a little higher, but I personally don't like to see the belly of the bag up at peoples forehead as many boxers do.  That really sets up a poor, inefficient swinging motion.

You might click around my teaching website, speedbagcentral.com to get some more helpful information.

Good luck and thanks for your question.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible