Types of Punching Bags

Punching bags are standard training equipment for boxers and martial artists. Different bag styles are used to develop various skills, increasing the fighter's versatility and improving his technique.

  1. Heavy Bags

    • A heavy bag, which is designed for practicing power punches, is made of leather or canvas and is stuffed with sand. It is hung from the ceiling or a mounting device with a heavy chain. Boxing Depot states that a 170-pound fighter would benefit from a heavy bag that weighs 60 to 70 lbs.

    Standing Bags

    • According to Boxing Depot, standing bags are tall structures designed for practicing kicks as well as punches. They are not mounted to the ceiling or wall but instead are anchored by a base that can be filled sand or water. They are portable in that they can be moved by rolling the bag on its round base.

    Uppercut Bags

    • The uppercut bag is a smaller version of the heavy bag. It is mounted horizontally so the fighter can practice strikes that originate at waist level and are delivered under the chin.

    Speed Bags

    • The speed bag is a small bag mounted on a short spring that immediately snaps back after it is struck. It is used to develop timing instead of power. Speed Bag Central cites the benefits of speed bag training as keener hand-eye coordination, improved rhythm and increased punching speed.

    Double-End Bags

    • The double-end bag is nearly the size of a basketball. It is strung with tight coils--one going from the bag to the ceiling and the other going from the bag to the floor. As demonstrated by "Boxing: The Double-End Bag," when the fighter punches the bag, it quickly snaps back, simulating the counterstrike of an opponent.