How To Hit A Light Bag For Boxing

Knowing how to hit a light bag for boxing involves a somewhat different procedure from the exercise for a heavy bag. While the typical punching bag weighs 80 pounds, most boxing light bags weigh about 30 to 40 pounds. Existing in a middle ground between a heavy bag and a double end bag, hitting a light bag in boxing combines some elements of both exercises. A common misconception is that light bags are essentially cut down heavy bags meant for smaller people and the smaller, lighter punching bag can, in fact, be used that way. However, its real purpose is to give a boxer a suitable target for practicing punching on the move. Knowing how to hit a light bag is an important element for any intermediate or advanced boxing work out because the hitting the light bag fine tunes the combination of proper footwork, jabbing and power punching.

Materials:

• Light punching bag (weight: 30 to 40 lbs.)
• Hand wraps
• Bag gloves

1. Hit the light bag with a sharp combination, like a jab-right jab-right, at the light bag to get it into motion. Because the light bag weighs only half as much as the standard heavy bag, only a few hard punches will put the bag into motion.
2. Move around the light bag while it is in motion, maintaining your proper form and balance. Work on keeping within your optimum range or the range at which your power is at its most effective. For most punches, this means your real target is not the surface of the bag, but about two inches inside of it.
3. Snap the jab whenever you are not in range. The jab is the only punch that should merely make contact with the surface of the bag, although it is better if you make good contact with your jab. In a real boxing match, you will constantly snap the jab to keep the opponent away from you, find your range and control your opponent's movement. Use your jab to hit the light bag in exactly the same way.
4. Hit the light bag with power punches only when you are in range and in a good position to do so. When you start exercising with the light bag, keep your proper distance. Achieving this will require considerable movement and jabbing. As you learn to combine your footwork and your punching, as well as learn to time your punches, it will become easier.

Tips & Warnings:

• Once you have hitting the light bag down, take your boxing regimen up a step by enabling the light bag to hit you back. Punching bag accessories, such as a padded ball tied to the punching bag's chain, give the light bag the ability to translate its movement into striking power. This helps you practice your defense and your offense at the same time.
• Always wear hand wraps and bag gloves when hitting any punching bag, light or otherwise. Not doing so risks serious injury to the hands and wrists.

References:

Beaumont, Ned. "Championship Streetfighting."