shs101

I just started MT and purchased a heavy bag at my house. Im not sure if these questions sound dum or not but..

I am primarily a counter striker, how would i go on hitting the heavy bag?

Also hand speed, ive heard alot that power and speed in the hands come from genetics. But does anyone know any decents drills or specifc workouts for hand speed.

And does anyone know any ways to improve clinch strength? Alot comes from grip i heard but anyone have ant secrets for a strong mt clinch.

Thanks!!

LV 2 H8 U

I guess you could dance around the bag and wait for it to try and hit you
How long have you been doing "standup" in general? Cause if you have just started you really don't know if you are going to be a counter striker or not. And I'd bet your trainer has a style and tendencies that he/she (PC ) will attempt to instill in you. Besides counter strikers are boring, why would you want to do that? J/K

shs101

I boxed for 2 years and been doing MT for a few months now, just noticed a good forum like this and seeing if anyone could help.

LV 2 H8 U

I actually don't like hitting the heavy bag much for that reason. I would rather hit Thai pads with a partner close to my skill level or better.
IMO the heavy bag is good to get an arm/shoulder and cardio workout, but not as much for punching and footwork technique.

Fieos

This ^

If you don't have this option then your best option it to try to work your angles but that's about all you have.

The Crusher

I agree with both of these statements. When I am not training with a partner I work with my heavy bag mostly for cardio, breathing, angles and kick strength. Focus mits work alot more as far as coordination and reaction etc. I also use my heavy bag for ground drills (mounts, knee and elbows, and more) at training we use 85lb bags to drill with and at home I use 100lb bag. I figure if everyone else uses 85lb then me using 100lb gives me an edge.

CornbreadBB

Wait until the heavy bag tries to punch you, then counter it.

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shs101

How do i work angles, anyone know anything i could do?

CornbreadBB

Use a protractor! OH my GOD I'm sorry I'm drunk!

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The Crusher

Angles are movements. Good fighters use 2 general types of movement as far as footwork goes. Lateral front, back, left, right imagine a cross on the ground. Angular just the same but imagine an X on the ground so you will move at angles. These are both offensive and defensive. Google boxing footwork angles to see a few different things watch the boxer on the thai bags and the Muay Thai kicks vids. Pay more attention to the footwork than the punches and kicks. Usually when hitting a heavy bag you want to pull your punches but in this case it isn't a bad thing to get it swinging some and work those angles.