Fitness and Training Heavy Bag: Uppercut Bag Options

I’ve said before how important it is for a fighter to train on a heavy bag. An uppercut bag is a great option to have when you’re specifically training power punches, like uppercuts and hooks. The difference between this and a traditional hanging heavy bag is that the upper cut bag is hanging sideways, making it parallel with the ground. This means you can land a solid uppercut without putting your wrist at an awkward angle, which tends to happen on normal heavy bags. It’s also great for training head movement in addition to just footwork, since you can duck and roll under the bag as you would an opponent’s punches.

MaxxMMA has an awesome combination fitness and training bag that can be used as a traditional heavy bag or uppercut bag.  The best part about this combination bag, other than the adjustable water/air design, is that the uppercut bag hangs from straps attached to the center, instead of to the ends, of the bag. This means it can rotate and spin more freely, emulating wide punches or hooks to the head and body. Use this rotation to practice blocks, like the helmet guard. Then, counter with your own hook to the bag. 

The more realistic your training is to an actual fight, the more you’ll be prepared to win. In combination with shadowboxing, sparring, and hitting the heavy bag, the uppercut bag will help train those knockout punches. While you’re at it, take advantage of the setup to train head movement for a fight. Defend and counter as the bag sways and you’ll be ready for your head-hunting opponent!