How to Hit the Heavy Bag Properly (So It will not Swing)

How to Hit the Heavy Bag Properly (So It will not Swing)

Boxing 23 Comments

Tony Jeffries’ Guide on “How to Hit the Heavy Bag Properly”

In his video posted on May 10, 2021, former seven times national champion, European gold medalist, and Olympic medalist Tony Jeffries gives his audience several key tips on how to control a heavy bag during a boxing workout. The video has garnered over 1.2 million views due to its practical approach and nuanced insights from a seasoned professional.

Jeffries starts off by busting the myth that a swinging bag means a good punch. This isn’t necessarily true, as it’s possible to risk injury from an out-of-control swing. He emphasizes the need for control over the bag, rather than allowing it to control you. He shares his wisdom, accumulated since 1995 when he started hitting a heavy bag, and lays out specific techniques to dominate this essential training tool.

In the tutorial, Jeffries focuses on the timing of the punch and the direction of the swing. He advises his viewers to hit the bag when it’s returning to them, effectively stopping the swing. This, he notes, gives the boxer control over the bag. Besides, he suggests using a hook round the side to keep the bag within a small zone.

Jeffries also recommends working on the inside when the bag is swinging, which seems to be a neglected practice among many who train with the heavy bag. He instructs his viewers to catch the bag when it swings back and use that moment to practice close fighting, just like in a real match.

The video also contains insights into three areas to focus on while hitting the heavy bag: maintaining good form and technique, proper breathing technique, and constant head movement.

Overall, Tony Jeffries’ video offers much to both novice and experienced boxers looking for advice on improving their heavy bag workouts. His focus on technique, breath control, and head movement, along with the nuances of catching and controlling the bag, provides valuable tips for improving overall boxing form.

[postx_template id=”240″]

Tony Jeffries: The Boxing Icon

Tony Jeffries, an English former professional boxer and Olympic medalist, was born on March 2, 1985. Known for his uncompromising determination and fearsome striking ability, Jeffries remained undefeated in his professional career. Specializing in the light heavyweight division, he claimed seven knockout victories out of his ten wins. He also bagged the bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, adding to his long list of accomplishments. After his retirement in 2012 due to hand injuries, Jeffries transitioned into a boxing trainer, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of boxers.

[postx_template id=”238″]

Classical Vs Modern Boxing Training

Traditional or classical boxing training significantly focused on mastering the art of hitting and not getting hit. It emphasized on footwork, stamina and, above all, precision. Training often consisted of bag workouts, shadow boxing, sparring, and condition-focused exercises like running and skipping.

In contrast, modern boxing training incorporates diverse techniques, integrating strength, flexibility, and nutritional training. It includes varied workouts such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weight training, and even yoga for flexibility. Technology also plays a significant role, with virtual reality and other tech tools often used to enhance training methods and efficiency.

[postx_template id=”239″]

A Brief Dive Into Boxing History

The history of boxing dates back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of the sport can be found in Egyptian carvings from around 3000 BC. In ancient Greece, boxing was a well developed sport and enjoyed consistent popularity. The Romans later adapted the Greek boxing style into a more brutal form.

Join the Conversation

23 Comments

  1. I always tried to envision the bag was a person moving, so as it's engaging I'm basically countering its momentum which has helped with my timing and confidence in sparring (being newer to Muay Thai). What Tony said is basically what I figured out works for me, I'm sure most people it's the same thing. It makes your bag work so much more useful.

  2. guess what i want it to swing so that it s like an attack that i can avoid and counter ! i m out lol Nb 1 year of Karate , 1 Year of Taekwondo, 10 years of natural Bodybuilding no artificial stuff and about 50% of the time in the gym i spent it hitting the punching bag and i love it when it swings and comes back in high speed so i can strike it again and maje it swing even higher hahahaha ! farewell

  3. I appreciate boxing, have always done muay Thai. Made me laugh at the intro when he stops the bag with his hands (logical) where my ass has always just stuck my knee out a little bit to stop the swinging force (logical).

  4. I dance around the bag punching it in different directions to keep it relatively center. I hit it as it swings to the center.

    Another boxer doesn't stand still. Rotational footwork around the swinging bag is great training.

  5. Love this guy, I find a good test is step around it with your jab and you keep it hanging extended, due space limit at my gym I had to switch to southpaw, otherwise you have to use the cross as stepping, fun to try and work that way… love boxing, can't wait till I get to sparring.

  6. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *