Focus Mitt Combo Feed | Friends

Quick Intro

Focus Mitt Combo Feed is the way boxers train with a partner. One partner wears focus mitts, padded targets on each hand. The other wears boxing gloves. The mitt holder calls a combination, for example “jab, cross”, and raises the mitts in position. The striker throws those punches into the mitts with real technique and controlled power. The holder resets and calls the next combination. After a round, the partners swap.

There is no winner. Both jobs are skills. The striker practises accuracy, timing and putting punches together. The holder practises reading the striker, placing the mitts and absorbing each punch without straining the wrists. Mitt work gives the striker a real target that moves and answers back, something shadow boxing alone cannot do.

How to throw the punches and link them together is taught at Mitts Combination Drill. This guide covers the partner layer: holding the mitts, calling combinations, controlling power and keeping both partners safe.

What You’ll Need

Two people.
A pair of focus mitts.
A pair of boxing gloves for the striker. Hand wraps underneath are a good idea.
A clear space about three metres square.
A timer for rounds.

How It Works

The holder puts on the mitts and the striker puts on gloves.
Stand facing each other at punching distance, the striker in their boxing stance.
The holder calls a combination and raises the mitts where the punches should land.
The striker throws the combination into the mitts, with controlled power.
The holder resets the mitts and calls the next combination.
Work for a round of about two minutes.
Rest for a minute and swap roles.

Holding the Mitts

The holder has as much to learn as the striker:

Hold the mitts near your own head and shoulder, about where an opponent’s chin and body would be.
Keep the elbows bent and the arms relaxed. Locked arms send the impact into the elbows and shoulders.
Meet the punch. Push the mitt forward a few centimetres into each punch, so the two meet with a firm, clean pop.
Angle the mitts to the punch. A jab and cross land on mitts facing forward. A hook lands on a mitt turned slightly inward.
Keep the face clear. Hold the mitts a little in front and to the side, never directly in front of your own face.

Calling Combinations

Start with simple calls and build slowly:

“Jab”: the lead hand.
“Jab, cross”: lead hand, then rear hand.
“Jab, cross, hook”: add a lead hook.
“Double jab, cross”: two jabs, then the rear hand.

Call clearly and show the mitts at the same time. Give the striker a moment to reset between combinations. A good holder mixes up the order so the striker reacts to the call, never to a memorised pattern.

Controlling Power

Punches go in with real technique and controlled power, never full power unless both partners have plenty of experience and have agreed it. Power is the striker’s to control, and the holder can ask for less at any time. Around half to three-quarters effort is plenty for most rounds. Clean, accurate punches matter more than hard ones.

Making It Fair

The holder keeps combinations simple for a newer striker, perhaps only jabs and crosses at first. For an experienced striker, calls can be longer and quicker. Each partner can ask the other to slow down, lighten up or explain a call. Training With a Friend covers more on fitting a drill to two partners.

Staying Safe

Gloves for the striker. Bare knuckles into mitts are hard on the hands and wrists.
Learn to hold before holding regularly. Poor holding technique is what hurts the holder’s wrists.
Controlled power. Never full power without plenty of experience and a clear agreement.
Stop for wrist or shoulder pain, on either side.
Keep the face clear of the mitts. A missed punch should never reach the holder.

Common Mistakes

Locked arms on the holder. They jar the elbows and shoulders.
Swinging wild punches. Accuracy and form come first.
Holding the mitts too far apart. Keep them where a real opponent’s head and body would be.
Calls that are too long. Long combinations with tired arms turn sloppy fast.

Fitting It Into a Session

Focus Mitt Combo Feed fits well as the main part of a boxing-style session, after a warm-up of skipping or shadow boxing. Three to six rounds each, with rest between, is a good amount. It also makes a sharp conditioning block in a mixed session. Building a Partner Session shows how to build the warm-up and the work after the mitt rounds.

Getting Better Over Time

Start with single punches and two-punch combinations at a steady pace. As both partners improve, add longer combinations, quicker calls and movement around the space. A pair who can run three smooth rounds of mixed combinations, with crisp punches and safe holding, has built a real skill.

Partner Kick Pad Holding Drill holds pads for kicks.
Partner-Resisted Punch Drill adds a partner’s resistance to each punch.
Reaction Ball Partner Feed feeds a reaction ball for quick hands.
Partner Sprawl Resistance Drill works a takedown defence with a partner.

FAQ

Do we both need to know how to box?

It helps. At least learn the basic punches and how to hold the mitts before you start. A session with a coach is a good investment.

What weight of gloves should the striker use?

Training gloves of about 12 to 14 ounces suit most adults for mitt work.

How long should a round be?

About two minutes, with a minute of rest. Newer pairs can start with one-minute rounds and build up.