Trainer's paws - what should you know about using training paws?
Training discs - Trainer's paws - What they are used for?
Trainer's paws also called training packs are used to train combinations of boxing techniques. Due to their small size and light weight, they allow the person assisting during training to change positioning freely which allows the trainee to perfect combinations of strokes.Training with the trainer's paws significantly improves the sense of distance, accuracy of strikes and coordination during the execution of a series of blows that is why it is an essential element of training in all striking combat sports.
Advice When training on the trainer's paws, try to be relaxed - do not unnecessarily tense your muscles - remember that the main purpose of such training is to develop quick reaction, motor coordination, sense of distance and speed of strikes. The desire to hit hard without technical preparation results in the development of numerous reflexes, and over-tightening of muscles during strokes significantly lower your speed threshold. Remember technique and speed first and strength later - never the other way around!
Trainer's paws profiled or straight - which to choose?
You can find both straight and profiled paws on the market. More comfortable for both trainer and assistant are profiled paws. The profiling ensures that the hand does not slip during paw contact (during impact) and, as they used to say, "impacts sit well"
The contouring is also beneficial to the attendant because it allows for a more comfortable (anatomical) positioning of the hands and reduces the likelihood of them slipping when taking blows.
It is also worth paying attention to the insert in the wrist area (see the following photo) during the selection - it reduces the load on the assisting person's wrist and prevents injuries.
What kind of filling for trainer paws is best?
However, paw padding is one of the most important things to pay attention to. Many cheap market discs are made of ordinary upholstery sponge (T25) which compacts and loses its cushioning properties.
Professional trainer paw models use polyurethane foam, i.e. re-foamed foam characterized by very good impact absorption and resistance to crumbling and deformation.
Recently, quite a few models of paws with gel inserts have appeared on the market - these inserts are designed to improve impact absorption. The presence of an insole is not a necessity, however, they improve the comfort of the workout so it is worth considering their presence during the purchase.
Natural or synthetic leather trainer paws?
The choice of material from which paws are made is mostly limited to a choice between natural leather and synthetic leather. It is used to say that natural leather is more durable - unfortunately this is not the rule!
There are many varieties of natural and synthetic leather on the market, so it may turn out that the lifespan of our paws made of natural leather will be shorter than those made of synthetic material. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for us to judge the quality of the material during purchase because it requires a lot of experience. So what to do? We suggest that you pay special attention to the end of the warranty that is given by the manufacturer because who if not the manufacturer knows best what is the % of complaints of the equipment offered by it. Most sports equipment available on the market has a warranty period of 1 or 2 years - we strongly recommend choosing the one with the longer warranty period.
