Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/10/2006

Question
Hi.
  Im finding it difficult to generate any speed on the speed bag. I have read your instructions for begginers and can steadily hit the bag with three rebounds, however as i try to hit the bag hardeer it seems to die on the board. I currently own a BBE speedbag that i purchased from my local Argos store, so its pretty standard. I was wandering whether you could just tell me if its flaws in my technique that are probably the problem and practice is needed or maybe my equipment has something to do with it, and if so what would you recommend me to replace it with.

Answer
Hello Ben,

Hmm. The lack of bag speed you describe could be caused by several things, including equipment issues such as board vibration, lousy or loose swivel, Bag shape other bag problem. The bag "Dying on the board" could very possible be caused by a dead board (loose), or flimsy, as well as an underinflated bag. Also, some swivels, particularly the thicker based ones, just don't go fast.

Lack of speed could also be due to personal issues such as poor swinging technique or punch direction (down on front of bag, not "into" belly of bag).  

First, make sure your board and swivel are not lose and shaky. If there is a lot of vibration in your unit, it will only get worse as you hit harder. If it is loose, I suspect that is affecting the speed of your bag.

Second, about your technique, if you hit the bag "well" with good technique the rebound contact has a crisp clean sound. If your technique is flawed and bag contact is weak, poor or misdirected, the sound of your punching will be "weak", with lots of swivel chinking sounds (depends on swivel type.., but all have a "weak punch" sound). I would have to see and hear your punch the speed bag to really determine that.  

I haven't personally hit BBE bags, so I don't have first hand experience on how they react. Personally, I like the more teardrop shaped Titleboxing Speed bags. http://store.titleboxing.com/titlespeedbags1.html
and the swivels on the left side of this page:
http://store.titleboxing.com/speed-bags-platforms-swivels.html

My suggestion: Check your equipment for reasons stated and keep practicing your technique. Also, consider a smaller bag. They are faster, and if you punch with any force, your technique has to be better to keep up with them.

Good luck. One word of advice, particular for beginners. Speed is indeed elusive. It is very difficult to force yourself, or the bag to go "fast".  (secret) When you relax, hit smoothly with little or no tension and wasted motion, speed just seems to show up. Trying to make it appear will only increase tension, which-----reduces speed.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
http://www.putfile.com/speedbag