Is it normal to be faster when hitting something then not hitting something?

When i do shadowboxing i dont seem to be that quick but when im punching the bag im pretty fast. Is that normal?

Its harder to pull your arm back, there is nothing for your bicep to contract against so more effort to bring the punch back.

The bag/pads/kids head/ribs stop your elbow joint from opening 100% so your biceps don't have to work as hard, the same goes for all the other joints and muscle groups used when punching, thats why missing tired you out more.

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Originally Posted by AdamGB

Its harder to pull your arm back, there is nothing for your bicep to contract against so more effort to bring the punch back.

The bag/pads/kids head/ribs stop your elbow joint from opening 100% so your biceps don't have to work as hard, the same goes for all the other joints and muscle groups used when punching, thats why missing tired you out more.

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Oh ok, it feels really awkward throwing punches in thin air coz i seem to get tense when i do it and dont let my arms go.

Just relax... ;) its not about power or even speed when you shadow box, when you see people doing fast punches shadow punching they are short little arm punches...

Focus on form and feeling where the weight is going in your combos.

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Originally Posted by AdamGB

Just relax... ;) its not about power or even speed when you shadow box, when you see people doing fast punches shadow punching they are short little arm punches...

Focus on form and feeling where the weight is going in your combos.

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right on

It happens because your eyes are confusing the other senses when shadow boxing, touch and feel. Try it with your eyes shut. Dont Look Feel your body, much better.

So,people,what are the benefits of shadow boxing? Should I be going all out?

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Originally Posted by Snakey

When i do shadowboxing i dont seem to be that quick but when im punching the bag im pretty fast. Is that normal?

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I'm the same way. Although you may not realize it, when your shadowboxing, you're extending your arms out more than you would if you were hitting a heavybag. Try shadowboxing next to your punchingbag, and then try to throw a couple of quick punches on the bag and then go right back to shadowboxing and see if you can tell a difference. :)

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Originally Posted by The Game

So,people,what are the benefits of shadow boxing? Should I be going all out?

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Timing, technique and muscle memory, it helps you to put combos together and feel where your weight is for counters etc. Its not really conditioning.