what to look at?

[Ken]

I have been reading alot on this sight and this is my first post. You guys really know your stuff. I m new to the speed bag and built me a nice set up useing everyones advice. ( i also got the sb bible dvd) . My question is what part of the bag do you look at when you are hitting the bag?I look at different parts of the bag and I get different results. I am actually getting the hang of it. off to a slow start. Thanks Ken

[clark-kentski]

I dont know its all a blur Just wishful thinking

[Tim]

Once you get a feel for the rythm, you'll be amazed how little it matters where you're looking... that said I usually stare right at it, right about where my fist(s) are going to hit.

[ukspeedbag]

When I look at the bag, I look Where I hit. That'll be the belly, the widest part of the bag.
Tim's right though! You'll find yourself not having to look, once you got some rhythm going.

Vini

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by Ken

I have been reading alot on this sight and this is my first post. You guys really know your stuff. I m new to the speed bag and built me a nice set up useing everyones advice. ( i also got the sb bible dvd) . My question is what part of the bag do you look at when you are hitting the bag?I look at different parts of the bag and I get different results. I am actually getting the hang of it. off to a slow start. Thanks Ken

Personally I doubt you can maintain any real focus on a "part of the bag". It's kinda like a fast game of ping pong. Your looking at the "hitting zone" but can't really just follow the small ball. For me, most of the time when the bag is moving it's just a maze of steady after images, so I generally gaze at the "one in the middle" - but like Tim says, after a while you can vary your gaze and your technique and timing will allow you to keep going without focusing on the BAG target for a while. If I'm having a bad session, with lots of breakdowns, I may look at the swivel action, (particularly on a chainlink) or rebound arc if I suspect an off balance or out of round bag. Some people can hit for long periods of time with their eyes actually closed, or wear a blindfold to show their timing.

My suggestion would be to gaze at the hitting area, and start watching your fist contact(s) on the bag. Pretty soon you'll be able to pick up your little nuances, such as the fist hitting "down" on the belly or "upward" during a late contact. Try to hit on the sweet spot, punching INTO the bag belly, not down or up on it. That will be the best way to get your fist(s) "through the bag" later.

[Ken]

Thanks guys , makes sense. I was trying to watch every hit, makeing it harder. And to speed bag... I think its going to take me longer than a month to hit like you do in your video! but i will give it my best. Ken

[Speedbag]

Originally Posted by Ken

Thanks guys , makes sense. I was trying to watch every hit, makeing it harder. And to speed bag... I think its going to take me longer than a month to hit like you do in your video! but i will give it my best. Ken

That's OK. It's not a race. Learn at your own pace and enjoy the ride.