A while back I said that I do not like padwork. In this video lesson I explain why I have come to that conclusion. It is a follow-on from the bagwork versus padwork debate, and it is for boxers, martial artists and coaches who rely heavily on pads.

The Holder Runs the Session

The biggest problem with padwork is that the holder is in charge. They decide the distance, the timing and often the combinations. The person punching reacts to the pads rather than learning to create their own openings. In a real fight or a real bout, nobody holds a target out for you.

A lot of holders also push the pad into the punch to make a big noise. It sounds great and feels great, but the puncher never learns to drive through a target, and the timing they learn is wrong.

Choreography Is Not Fighting

Many pad routines become choreography. Both people know exactly what comes next, and it looks impressive on video. But a memorised sequence does not teach you to read an opponent, find your range or deal with someone who does not do what you expect.

Other common problems include:

  • Bad technique going unnoticed because the pads make everything feel solid
  • Wrist and shoulder strain from meeting pads at awkward angles
  • Holders getting hurt, or teaching bad habits through poor holding
  • Students depending on a partner to train at all

What To Do Instead

Most of what people want from pads can be done better elsewhere:

  • Bagwork for power, technique and conditioning with honest feedback
  • Shadowboxing for movement, flow and defence
  • Sparring and situational sparring for timing, distance and reading an opponent
  • Partner drills where the partner attacks back, not just holds targets

If you do use pads, use a skilled holder who makes you work, moves around and hits back, rather than one who just feeds combinations.

Take It Further

To build boxing technique the way I teach it, see the Learn To Box Online Course. For more detailed boxing instruction, look at The Boxing Series.