practicing defense alone

[Dave1066]

No, I did mean the punch should move the bag so that the bag moves. There are two different thoughts on that. And I'm in the camp that you should follow through the punch, so that you fully transfer the power, and build maximium strenght. That however does not mean you let your fist hang around. So that you could be counter punched (in a contest). Just tapping(striking) a bag wont build strenght as well as it could do, it will however develope speed if you do it quickly. One of the primary reasons to use a heavy bag is to build strenght. If I want to develope speed, then I'll use the speedbag.

Following through a punch is more of an old school train of thought..One which is fading. Following through and pushing is different. Learning to follow through on straight punches is very important, especially if you want maximum energy on impact transfered.

Lets not forget that it also comes down to the construction of the heavy bag your using, and also what the heavy bag is filled with. If your using a cheap leather heavy bag, filled with sand, like in the old days. Then no you should not punch the bag hard so that the bag moves. If your using an expensive modern leather heavy bag, with a 1-2" inner shock absorbing foam jacket, filled with bag rags. Then your fine to punch hard, and to follow through the punch so that the bag moves. Only an idiot could injure themselves on the latter.

My bag at home is the latter type, 4ft in size. I need a heavier bag. As it moves around a bit to much now. Or I'm going to have to attach a D ring to the bottom to anchor the bag.