As a boxing and fitness trainer, I've seen too many young, strong & healthy athletes injure their hands while hitting the punch bags. This is often devastating for boxers as breaking or fracturing your wrist will set you back. If you're training for a fight, you must know how to hit a boxing bag properly else you could have to cancel that match due to an unnecessary injury.
I've hit the punching bag for years, and today I'm revealing all my secrets... no holds bar. The first secret is to prepare. Failure to prepare is the main reason why athletes get injured. The same holds for training and hitting the punch bags. Prepare your hands by stretching your wrists. Twist your wrists in multiple directions. Then stretch out your forearms and biceps. Putting your hands on the ground and extending your arms so your elbows are locked will help you achieve this.
Preparing will allow your muscles to relax. Relaxation is important in preventing injuries in sports. The jump rope is a great way to get your entire body ready for training.
To protect your hands, you may want to wear boxing gloves. Especially if you're training for a fight, why not use the boxing gloves? After all, you'll be fighting with them on! If the heavy bag you're hitting is very stiff, you should consider wearing gloves to prevent injury. Our hands are delicate and hitting a stiff bag over time will weaken your bones and tissues.
If you're using the boxing bag to strengthen up your hands, wraps or gloves are a good idea. I recommend wraps as they provide you with wrist support. Most injuries via use of the punching bag will come from a twisting of the wrist, or a fracture of the wrist. Therefore, when you wrap, make sure the wrists are and not only your fingers are wrapped up.
When hitting the punch bags, you should watch how boxers hit each other. Guard up, front shoulder forward, body at an angle. If you're left-handed, put your right foot forward... you get the drill.
Watch your punch - don't hit the bag with your knuckles! This is a common mistake. To get the most power, you hit with the flat part of your fist. Another main common reason for injuries is that people twist when they hit the boxing bag. Don't twist. Keep your wrist, elbow and shoulder in proper alignment.
Step into it. Too often, I've seen students making combos, rapid fire hits and constant jabs too early on in their workout... even professionals. When you're training on the punch bags, step into it. Start hitting simple jabs, then move to uppercuts, then speed up your workout. Like any sport, or fitness training, you want to gradually intensify your workout.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jermaine_Ricketts
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Realizations on Pacquiao's Victory Over Hatton
I am a huge fan of Manny Pacquiao. I have made it a point to watch every single match since the day he got big. I have been looking forward to the match between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton for months. To my delight, I found myself at the heart of all the action ---Las Vegas. I went there, proudly sporting a "P hairdo" at the back of my head, and my Philippine flag. It was such a beautiful sight ---people proudly waving their Philippine flag, enthusiastically chanting "Manny!, Manny!, Manny!", and fist bumping, hugging, high-fiving each other and showing sportsmanship by shaking hands with everyone.
This Vegas trip will always be memorable as I went with my college buddies. I had a great time over there with the usual Vegas bruhaha but what made it extra special was Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's big 2nd round knockout over Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton. Manny has made history again by winning his 6th world title in as many divisions. He truly solidified his reign as the best pound for pound fighter in the world today and THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!
This experience led me to a few realizations:
Realizations
1.Talking too much isn't good at all
What was Floyd Sr. (Hatton's trainer) thinking? In anything, don't just talk the talk, walk the walk too. Throwing insults by trash- talking at somebody does not do any good. Karma always has its way to bite you in the a**.
2.Extra hard work pays off
Pacquiao didn't talk much and worked extra hard in the gym. You know what, I am truly inspired by that. We hear it all the time, hard work pays off. But do we actually practice it?
3.There is always room for improvement
Pacquiao is the best fighter in the world, hands down. But what makes him extra special is the fact that he is always a willing student learning new things. Against Hatton, he learned how to work on his right hook. Lethal as ever, that was the punch that dropped him on the first round. A left hook finished him off for good in the second. Have you ever thought of things you can possibly improve on today?
4.One man has the ability to move millions
Whenever Pacquiao goes into the ring, he takes into consideration that many Filipinos are counting on him to win--- praying for him. Going into the fight, I was sure that Manny won't let us down! The strength of the Filipino people is manifested in Pacquiao's every punch. How strong could that be? WE BEAT Ricky Hatton in that ring last Saturday! It's all about making a difference to people around you. Do you realize that your actions affect others?
5.Pray
Manny Pacquiao is also human-- needing some guidance and protection. He acknowledges his limitations and weaknesses no matter how successful he is in the ring. You got to have faith, nuff said.
I spent one of the best weekends of my life last weekend. More than that, I went back to Michigan with a great sense of pride and fulfillment. Pacquiao made me realize that I can do anything that I put my mind and heart into, just like him. As long as I apply my above realizations to my career, personal relationships and other endeavors, I know I am no the right track.
Do you want more information and tips? Request your copy of the exclusive Train Like a Boxer Strategy Report (a $299 value, yours for FREE): How to Achieve a Leaner and Stronger Body with Limited Time, Space and Equipment at lawrence@trainlikeaboxer.com TODAY!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Ragos
This Vegas trip will always be memorable as I went with my college buddies. I had a great time over there with the usual Vegas bruhaha but what made it extra special was Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's big 2nd round knockout over Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton. Manny has made history again by winning his 6th world title in as many divisions. He truly solidified his reign as the best pound for pound fighter in the world today and THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!
This experience led me to a few realizations:
Realizations
1.Talking too much isn't good at all
What was Floyd Sr. (Hatton's trainer) thinking? In anything, don't just talk the talk, walk the walk too. Throwing insults by trash- talking at somebody does not do any good. Karma always has its way to bite you in the a**.
2.Extra hard work pays off
Pacquiao didn't talk much and worked extra hard in the gym. You know what, I am truly inspired by that. We hear it all the time, hard work pays off. But do we actually practice it?
3.There is always room for improvement
Pacquiao is the best fighter in the world, hands down. But what makes him extra special is the fact that he is always a willing student learning new things. Against Hatton, he learned how to work on his right hook. Lethal as ever, that was the punch that dropped him on the first round. A left hook finished him off for good in the second. Have you ever thought of things you can possibly improve on today?
4.One man has the ability to move millions
Whenever Pacquiao goes into the ring, he takes into consideration that many Filipinos are counting on him to win--- praying for him. Going into the fight, I was sure that Manny won't let us down! The strength of the Filipino people is manifested in Pacquiao's every punch. How strong could that be? WE BEAT Ricky Hatton in that ring last Saturday! It's all about making a difference to people around you. Do you realize that your actions affect others?
5.Pray
Manny Pacquiao is also human-- needing some guidance and protection. He acknowledges his limitations and weaknesses no matter how successful he is in the ring. You got to have faith, nuff said.
I spent one of the best weekends of my life last weekend. More than that, I went back to Michigan with a great sense of pride and fulfillment. Pacquiao made me realize that I can do anything that I put my mind and heart into, just like him. As long as I apply my above realizations to my career, personal relationships and other endeavors, I know I am no the right track.
Do you want more information and tips? Request your copy of the exclusive Train Like a Boxer Strategy Report (a $299 value, yours for FREE): How to Achieve a Leaner and Stronger Body with Limited Time, Space and Equipment at lawrence@trainlikeaboxer.com TODAY!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Ragos
Manny Pacquaio Demolishes Ricky Hatton
Well, all I can say, that was one fight that was witnessed over the world on May 2, 2009. Even though it ended than sooner than expected, it proved to all of the doubters that Manny is definitely a force to be reckon with. He literally destroyed Ricky Hatton. From the moment that the bell rang, he was all over Hatton. And I am sure that Ricky wil definitely respect Manny in any future endeavors.
It just was so unbelievable watching this artist at work. Ricky came into the ring and tried to establish himself by brawling which turned out to be his biggest mistake. He basically received a dose of his own medicine. Manny is no joke and his power attests to that. I mean Ricky looked so helpless in that ring and from the first time that he was hit, he was unable to recover. And then, in the first round when he was hit again, it was all downhill for Hatton. Manny was just to fast and furious for Ricky. Yes, Ricky had an impressive record but he never has fought anyone of the caliber of a Manny Pacquaio. Again, Manny was on Ricky like bees on honey and unfortunately, Ricky could not make that adjustment that he sorely needed to do. If you ask me, I would say that he is a one dimensional fighter and fighting someone like Pacquaio, one needed an arsenal of weapons to counteract the power and speed of Manny. Maybe Ricky should have trained longer and really look over Manny's fight clips because as far as I am concerned, Manny made Ricky look like an amateur fighter which we all know he is not. Pacquaio was just to much for him.
And especially in round 2, when Ricky was hit for the third and final time. That punch thrown by Manny will probably be the punch of the year. I mean, Manny really let it go and if one were to review the fight again, one will see that Ricky was already out once he hit the canvas and when he did hit the canvas if one remembers, Ricky's head hit the canvas twice or it appeared to do a double bounce so to speak. At that point, he was really hurt and when I looked into his eyes as I was watching the fight on pay per view, Ricky did not know where he was . His eyes were in a daze and he was just glaring out into space and if one remembers, his corner turned his head to one side and that indicated to me, he was really hurt. He probably laid in that position for at least five minutes, maybe more. At that point, Manny had established himself as the best pound for pound fighter in his division.
Floyd Merriweather Sr. should have at least said something in the post fight interview instead of quickly leaving the area. As much talk as he had done leading up to the fight, I am sure everyone at ringside and around the world was expecting some type of response from his camp.
Well, Floyd Merriweather Jr., are you ready for a Rumble In The Jungle? I am sure all die hearted fight fans can hardly wait for the next engagement between Pacquaio and Merriweather. It definitely will be rated as the "Fight of the Year". At that time, everyone will be able to decide who is truly the best "pound for pound" fighter in the division.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grover_Watts
It just was so unbelievable watching this artist at work. Ricky came into the ring and tried to establish himself by brawling which turned out to be his biggest mistake. He basically received a dose of his own medicine. Manny is no joke and his power attests to that. I mean Ricky looked so helpless in that ring and from the first time that he was hit, he was unable to recover. And then, in the first round when he was hit again, it was all downhill for Hatton. Manny was just to fast and furious for Ricky. Yes, Ricky had an impressive record but he never has fought anyone of the caliber of a Manny Pacquaio. Again, Manny was on Ricky like bees on honey and unfortunately, Ricky could not make that adjustment that he sorely needed to do. If you ask me, I would say that he is a one dimensional fighter and fighting someone like Pacquaio, one needed an arsenal of weapons to counteract the power and speed of Manny. Maybe Ricky should have trained longer and really look over Manny's fight clips because as far as I am concerned, Manny made Ricky look like an amateur fighter which we all know he is not. Pacquaio was just to much for him.
And especially in round 2, when Ricky was hit for the third and final time. That punch thrown by Manny will probably be the punch of the year. I mean, Manny really let it go and if one were to review the fight again, one will see that Ricky was already out once he hit the canvas and when he did hit the canvas if one remembers, Ricky's head hit the canvas twice or it appeared to do a double bounce so to speak. At that point, he was really hurt and when I looked into his eyes as I was watching the fight on pay per view, Ricky did not know where he was . His eyes were in a daze and he was just glaring out into space and if one remembers, his corner turned his head to one side and that indicated to me, he was really hurt. He probably laid in that position for at least five minutes, maybe more. At that point, Manny had established himself as the best pound for pound fighter in his division.
Floyd Merriweather Sr. should have at least said something in the post fight interview instead of quickly leaving the area. As much talk as he had done leading up to the fight, I am sure everyone at ringside and around the world was expecting some type of response from his camp.
Well, Floyd Merriweather Jr., are you ready for a Rumble In The Jungle? I am sure all die hearted fight fans can hardly wait for the next engagement between Pacquaio and Merriweather. It definitely will be rated as the "Fight of the Year". At that time, everyone will be able to decide who is truly the best "pound for pound" fighter in the division.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grover_Watts
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