The two greatest things that a boxer can possess are power and speed. Without these, competition is likely to be much tougher. Of these, speed is often a bit more important than power. Although boxers need to be able to outpower their opponents, throwing three or more punches to an opponent’s one punch is ultimately beneficial.
Just take Floyd Mayweather Jr. as an example. He is exceptionally gifted in the ring for his combination of speed, power and all-round boxing skill. A good hand speed is difficult to beat and has helped the infamous boxer become one of the greatest, fastest fighters in history.
Through targeted boxing training, it’s very possible to improve hand speed. Here are a few things that you can do in order to gain those all-important lightning fast hands.
Equipment
In order to train yourself to have faster hands, you have to have the right equipment. There are a few key pieces that can help you to gain speed. Each of these objects offer their own benefit. If you are looking to improve the swiftness of your punches, ensure that you have the following:
Jump Rope
Jump ropes are one of the first things to come to mind when thinking about boxing training. A jump rope will help you to gain strength in your shoulders which is what you need if you are planning to quicken your punches. The speed of your hands depends on more muscles than you can imagine, and you have to finely tune all of these muscles in order to be effective. Jump ropes are used widely for conditioning and coordination and can be very helpful in building the speed that you want.
Speed Bag
It goes without saying that you will need to work with a speed bag. The speed bag allows you to develop speed as well as coordination, and it will assist you in training yourself for faster blows.
Quality is essential in any equipment you buy to make sure it withstands your tough training regime. Purchasing from stores that specialize in fight equipment ensures that you’re getting quality gear. Online retailers like Fightshop.com provide a wide range of fight equipment so you can find the pieces you need with the highest possible quality.
Relax
Along with equipment training, there are other aspects that go in to increasing your punch speed. You have to know how to relax as you are throwing punches. This is essential in ensuring that you have the time and focus to deliver those three punches to your opponent’s one.
Most experts will tell you that the only true way to deliver multiple punches, as quickly as possible, is to be completely relaxed while doing so. Your hands should be completely relaxed, and only tightened into fists when you are throwing the punch.
The more relaxed the muscle, the bigger the potential for moving at maximum speed. Keep in mind that there is a different between being relaxed and lazy. Even when you are relaxed, you can still control your movement and give it purpose. Try to keep your shoulders loose instead of hunched, and avoid flexing your biceps before the punch.
Breathe
You have to remember to focus on your breathing. This is an essential part of gaining speed. Faster breathing is better because it will follow your movements.
When you are throwing fast punches, remember to breathe quickly. The body will automatically conform to your breathing so if you are breathing slowly, you are going to be punching slowly.
It is essential that you learn quick breathing techniques and that you practice those techniques regularly, in order to gain the speed that you want.
Here are some breathing techniques to try; find which one is right for you.
Gaining the ability to throw fast punches is possible and not nearly as difficult as it sounds. You simply have to train your muscles to better deliver those faster blows, and you have to remember to relax your hands and breathe right up until the moment that you one-two-three your opponent.