Expert: Alan Kahn - 8/25/2006

Question
My question is on working the pads, I would like to know some boxing combinations to work the pads

Answer
Hi Jaime,

When working the Pads, you can use ANY punch combinations you want. There are Several Types of pad workouts. One,is using "planned" combinations, where Your trainer (or you) will set up two, three or four punch combinations, and you will perform them in a given order. For Example, maybe the combination is a four punch combo, "L-Jab, L-Jab, R-Cross, L-Hook." He will hold the pads (correctly for each punch) and you will do the combo for a set amount of types, Or perhaps you will have several "planned combo's" and each is numbered. The the trainer holds the pads, and calls out the combo number, such as "Combo 1" (Jab, Cross) "combo 2" (Jab Hook), "Combo 3" (Jab, jab, Hook) "combo 4" (Jab, cross, uppercut). etc.  Both you and he have to know the what each numbered combo is. Another way is for the trainer to call out each combo punch sequence. He might say, "Jab, cross, Hook", then you do that combo. The he says, "jab, Hook, uppercut", then you do that combo. These called or planned combinations can be done either standing in one spot, or moving around. Of course, moving is usually for the more advanced, and you can also work you movement ability.

Another way is to do "Freestyle", where the trainer simply holds the pads up and you hit them. In this, you have to see the pad position and decide what punch will be needed. This is great for reaction time, when you see and opening and react to it.

Pad work is a "TEAM" effort. The guy on the pads HAS to know how to hold each pad for each punch. The pad position and height for the uppercut is different than a jab, or a straight cross punch. The pad position for the Hook is also different. So,he has to know the pads, and so do you.

Here are some links for you

http://www.martialartsplanet.com/magazine/articles/padwork.htm

check out the MITT WORK Video

http://ironglovesboxing.com/html/video_clips.html

http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/search/topic/432-1.html

http://www.defend.net/products/focus_mitt_video.php

http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24895

I hope this helps you and train safely.

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible