TITLE DVD - Freddie Roach''s Punching Bag Training

I bought this DVD to check if I was still using the proper heavybag and double-end bag techniques that I had been taught years (and years) ago at a local boxing gym. All in all, I have to say that Freddie Roach a former journeyman boxer who was trained by all-time great cornerman Eddie Futch & later worked under him as an assistant trainer does a good job of explaining & demonstrating basic boxing techniques and how to use the heavybag, speedbag, & double-end bag to learn and master these fundamentals. While the DVD seems to have been made for people who would like to hit the bags as their at-home workout exercises, the lessons Roach imparts and the skills one can develop using these boxing training staples will prove useful if a situation arises for their out-of-the-ring use.

The only thing that bothered me about this DVD (apart from seeing Roach struggle with the Parkinson''s with which he has been sadly afflicted), is the Mickey Mouse production values. For example, the sound quality is poor, there seemed to have been a couple of power surges when it was being shot, & the disc menu screen leads one to think that it was shot with a neighbour''s videocam. Still, the DVD is worth the $10 selling price (but be forewarned that Title Boxing, which produced and sells/ships the DVD, charges a hefty shipping & handling fee at least to international customers).

If you are, indeed, planning to hit the bags as your at-home workout exercise, here are several tips: 1) whether or not you buy this DVD, you ought to go to a local boxing gym and get yourself a couple of boxing lessons (having someone explain and demonstrate something on tv isn''t the same as being instructed "live") &, if possible, have a friend tag along and videotape your lessons for future reference; 2) unless you are buying a 100+ lb. heavybag (which might be impractical given the stress that hitting it will put on its ceiling supports), buy yourself a heavybag that has a metal ring or triangle affixed to its bottom, which will allow you to secure the bag to the floor (with a chain) so that you can work out without having to have someone hold the bag for you (lighter heavybags have a tendency to swing violently); 3) buy double-end bag cords that are specifically made for them (& not cheap bungee or tie-down cords from a dollar or hardware store); & 4) buy yourself a mouthguard/gumshield and wear it whenever you hit the bags, but DO NOT heat it & mould it to fit (you want it to be a bit loose so that it will get you in the habit of keeping your teeth slightly clenched because one is far less likely to have one''s teeth dislodged or sustain a broken jaw when punched while one''s back teeth are held together than when one''s mouth is hanging open).

Oh, and one other thing: very early in the heavybag training portion of the DVD (the first of the three sections/lessons), Roach instructs the viewer to take a small step forward with the front/lead foot when jabbing (which moves you into range to hit the bag/your opponent), but when his pupil demonstrates the jab (and other punches), he does not step forward but simply stands at a distance from the heavybag and double-end bag that is always within punching range and Roach doesn''t correct him. While it really doesn''t matter if you stand as close to the bag as the pupil does (& not step forward when you punch) IF you are only interested in getting a workout, still, if one is learning and practicing a form of combat, one should learn to do it right: always stand at a distance from a heavybag or a double-end bag that is a bit beyond your reach when you are (stationary &) NOT in the act of punching (and take a small step forward when you are throwing the initial punch of a combination) because if you ever find yourself in a fight, you will be used to staying out of your OPPONENT''S punching range when he/she is punching and you are not (assuming that you and he/she have the same height and reach), and you will be trained to step forward into range to land your punches.

BTW, if I''m not mistaken, the sexy boxer who demonstrates how to hit the speed bag is Franchesca Alcanter.

Production quality of this DVD is ok, but the quality of the content is terrific! Note that this is geared towards beginners and fitness (vs. competitive) boxers, and more experienced boxers will find it a little too basic.

Freddie Roach was a great, journeyman boxer who never quite broke through to the top-tier before his career was cut short by injuries. But he subsequently established himself as the greatest boxing trainer of his generation (at least), training the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.

This DVD is highly recommended for those starting out -Roach''s tips and insights will help you avoid costly (and potentially injury-inducing) mistakes and let you get the most of your workout. Also, remember that correcting mistakes later is tough; this DVD will help you not develop bad form to begin with.

While the picture on the box cover shows the speedbag, this DVD does cover basic techniques for other bag types including heavy and double-ended.

Buy TITLE DVD - Freddie Roach''s Punching Bag Training Now

I read some reviews about the poor production quality, I couldn''t disagree more. This DVD is highly informative and a great way to learn proper technique before starting punching bag workouts. It is great to see Freddie Roach giving tips on how to train effectively. I would recommend this DVD to anybody looking to get started with boxing workouts. It would be easy to hurt yourself by having poor form, and it is waste of energy just wailing away without any idea of what your doing, get this DVD.

Read Best Reviews of TITLE DVD - Freddie Roach''s Punching Bag Training Here

Freddy Roach is a master instructor and this video is excellent instruction on the heavy bag, speed bag and double end bag especially for the beginner or those at mid-level training. The more experienced or advanced boxer will be ready to move on to more advanced training information.

But I would certainly recommend this video, as well as the other Freddy Roach training video''s for those just starting out.

For those looking for more advance ideas on usage of the Speed Bag, and a broader view than the typical boxer based workout, you might consider The Speed Bag Bible.

TITLE Speed Bag Bible (DVD)

Want TITLE DVD - Freddie Roach''s Punching Bag Training Discount?

This video is reasonable quality and sound. It is a very findamental presentation on the heavy bag, the speed bag and the double-ended bag. It is directed at the novice. I thought it had some good advice.