There is an entirely different rhythm to hitting a double-end bag, than say punching a "heavy bag" that is used to practice power punching and body blows. Heavy bags don't hit back. But when you hit the double-end bag, it rebounds back right at you and by this you will learn to duck, weave, slip etc.

I never said in my posts that there was a sameness in working out with the punching, double-ended and/or heavy bag. In fact, when I wrote: I meant they complement each other.
My question was directed at the methodology many boxers use to hit the striking bag. I wasn't concerning myself to the double-ended bag or the heavy one, except as a passing thought.

Correction: The speed bag.

Shoulder endurance, for throwing those fast, flicky jabs, timing and i have noticed an increase in my reflexes and speed of my punches. i greatly enjoy the speed bag.

Here's an off the wall thought, maybe it has nothing to do with punching technique at all, maybe it's simply a way to build reflexes, timing, etc in a very convenient way. As long as you don't get it in your head that that's how to throw a punch then it's fine. I do stuff all day that doesn't mirror punching at all but it doesn't hurt anything.

We do it for speed, timing, reflexes and endurance. Its just another drill for improving punching. And another reason why no one can match boxers at punching lol

VEEERY old post. It sort of petered off without much more discussion. My fault mostly, since I started it, and my main point of contention was never answered to my satisfaction. So, in the recent spirit of fomenting discussion, I'm gonna do a Lazarus on it, and resurrect it from the dead.
Gonna pick up where it left off: Yeah, but I don't see where "punching" the speed bag the way boxers do improves technique. I've never seen a boxer (anyone, actually) punch that way other than with the speed bag. The why is obvious. So wouldn't it be better all around to hit the speed bag as close to how one would do it while fighting? THAT WAY you're certainly improving your real world punching technique and its speed, and still benefitting timing, endurance and reflexes. So why do it the "funny horizontal hammer fist" way (see the first post on this thread, if that last confused you).

I'm with you MAGon,

I think you can make reasons for it, e.g. keeping hands high.

I don't think it trains reflexes as it is more about rhythm and knack. I don't think anything would be lost form your boxing regime if it were dropped. I think it's just one of those things that has to be in the corner of every boxing gym.

Hi, aplant.
While the speed bag isn't the end all, be all, I do find it useful. I just don't see why doing it "the boxing way" confers more benefits than working the bag the way you would fight. If it's a question of keeping your hands high, fine. But why not in a proper guard, instead of with your elbows almost to your shoulders and your body uncovered?