How to Use Punch Mitts

Punch mitts are a commonly used training tool in boxing and mixed martial arts. The mitts are specialized, padded gloves worn by a trainer which allow fighters to move around, throw striking combinations and then bob and weave out of the way of counter-strikes all in the same exercise. This is because the trainer can move, throw punches with the mitts and catch punches directed back at him. Using the punch mitts effectively can greatly improve your conditioning, technique and coordination.

Things You'll Need

  • Trainer
  • Boxing gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear padded punching or boxing gloves. While the mitts are padded to protect the trainer's hand, you can still easily break your own hand or wrist without proper protection. Tighten the wrist straps around your gloves to help keep your wrists straight as you punch.

    • 2

      Circle around the trainer with your hands up. One advantage mitts have over a heavy bag is it is easier to practice footwork and movement since your trainer can move back and forth in ways a bag can't.

    • 3

      Listen to your trainer. He will call out a combination such as "jab, hook" or "left, right. uppercut" and you then throw those punches at his mitts. Many trainers use numerical shorthand such as "two, three, two" where "one" is a jab, "two" is a cross and "three" is a lead hook.

    • 4

      Evade your trainer's punches with the mitts by ducking under hooks and stepping out of the way of crosses.

    • 5

      Punch back at the mitts as soon as you evade the trainer's blows. This gets you in the proper habit of defending and then immediately counter-punching.

    • 6

      Work in rounds to simulate an actual fight. Boxers fight for three minutes before taking a minute rest while MMA fighters fight five minute rounds with a one minute rest period.