Boxing Padwork – All you need to know

Becoming a top boxer takes a huge amount of dedication. One of the reasons the best reach the point they do is their ability to hone skills across a selection of areas. 

As well as the strength, conditioning and fitness a boxer needs, true mastery involves reaching an exceptional level of technical skill.

True boxers are fine technicians who can execute what they want, when they want. And one of the best ways to get up to scratch is with padwork.

In the latest Boxfit blog, we take a look at the importance of padwork, how you can use padwork to enhance your abilities, and some of the kit you might want to invest in.

What is boxing padwork?

When trying to advance boxing skills, there tends to be an end goal in mind. If this is competing in a fight, then finding ways to replicate the dynamics of the ring is an important way to get familiar with what you need to compete.

Sparring is one way to do this. But when starting out, it’s best to work on some of the common punches and techniques without being at risk of being hit back. This means for those entering the fight game, padwork is an important step towards their goal.

Padwork involves a boxer working with a coach or trainer to systematically punch pads held in specific areas. This allows for the boxer to work on specific punches and combinations to help take their ability to a new level.

The trainer can also ‘throw’ punches back, allowing the boxer to get into the habit of ducking, bobbing and weaving. This helps sharpen them up to certain threats in the ring.

What benefits does boxing padwork bring?

One of the big advantages of padwork is it helps to enhance a fighter’s muscle memory.

In the ring itself, the nature of boxing means that time is at a premium. Boxing is not like chess. You can’t think long and hard about each and every move you make. Sure, it’s tactical in the same way. But when it comes to a boxing match, split second decisions need to be made and reactions have to be at their very best.

This means the skills you need are not necessarily kept in your head in the fullest sense. These skills are stored away in your body – more specifically in your muscle memory. Muscle memory is when a specific motor task is ‘stored’, meaning you can deliver the muscle movements needed in a particular way when required. That might sound technical, but it essentially means being able to throw a right hook, or a left cross, or an upper cut, or any other punch in a certain way, to a certain level, when it is needed.

One of the best ways to train these punches is with padwork. Having a routine and doing the work you need to practice your skills, improve on any weaknesses you have, and enhance your all-round ability, is a superb way to make massive strides forwards as a boxer.

Even if you are an experienced boxer, a boxing pads workout can help sharpen you up and keep things smooth and succinct. In truth, whatever level you are at, pad boxing can serve a purpose.

What equipment do you need for padwork?

Pads for boxing are available in a number of different styles and types. The most commonly used are hook and jab pads. These are the ‘classic’ pads that you would immediately associate with boxing training.

As the name suggests, hook and jab pads are perfect for practicing these two punches, but are certainly not limiting. They are the ideal addition to any boxer’s training gear range, especially if you are working on your fundamentals.

Punch paddles, such as this option from Everlast, are another excellent boxing pad training option, offering a quick and easy way to do exercises.

For other disciplines, there are other types of pad are available. Thai kick pads are a brilliant coaching aid and a strong option for anybody keen to enhance their Muay Thai or Kickboxing skill set.

And of course, having a great pair of boxing gloves is always a good idea, while punch bags also offer a good way of sharpening up your skills.

Shop with Boxfit for boxing pads

Boxfit has a superb range of boxing pads to purchase, with items from leading brands in the industry.

We stock boxing pads from the likes of Lonsdale, Ringside, Phenom, Sting and Pro Box, as well as many more brands.

Boxfit’s range offers everything you could want when it comes to boxing training equipment. Take a look through our full collection and find the perfect item to help take you to the next level.

Be sure to take a look through Boxfit’s delivery options too, and if you have any questions, you can simply get in touch with our team. We will be happy to help.