Speed Drills

[Thruhiker]

I am looking for some drills that would enhance the speed in which I deliver my punches and kicks.

[younwhagrl]

PRACTICE kicking and punching faster...so doing kicks in class...KICK FASTER act like the count is an attack. Punching..pull the hand you just punched with, faster, also same if you guys do your punching to counts...same thing as kicking..and proper breathing control helps also

[Anbu Alex]

Streching also adds to speed and power (with legs atleast) also for punches practice the form slowely with wrist weights (so no to mess up the joints) and weight training with lighter weights more reps or (note this is really crazy but it works) throw slow punches with dumbbells SLOWLY

[JusticeZero]

Relax. Don't tighten your fist or whatever until the moment it connects. Relax. When it connects you should be already moving into a different attack. Relax. Don't tense up trying to put more "power" into it. Relax.

[giang_hu]

JusticeZero has it right. Relaxing will develop speed. However, speed also comes from muscle memory. When a technique becomes part of one's muscle memory, there is very little thought involved in executing the technique. As a result, the speed at which the technique is executed becomes equal to the fastest speed at which the person can physically perform the technique. In order to develop speed, keep repeating the technique.

[White Warlock]

Think of a blink. it is so quick, it hardly impedes your vision. It is performed repeatedly, every day, all the time. It is performed relaxed, and without conscious thought. It is natural, autonomic.

Bring your actions to the blink of an eye. Emulate it.

[shogeri]

Many other's have posted great replies!

In regards to relaxation, the mind should be the first organ that is trained to be both relaxed. When your mind is relaxed you are both prepared for the unexpected, and yet expect nothing.

When your body is relaxed, and flexible, situations may arise, however, you are more prepared to react appropriately.

Even if you are relaxed, if you have little or no flexibility in either your mind or your body, then you will be slow to react. If you are flexible, but not relaxed, then the same end result tends to occur.

Flexibility is the key to power and speed. Learn to teach yourself the difference between moving fast, and moving slow, and moving somewhere in-between. Watch others' and watch yourself in the mirror.

Add light weights to your routines. Either punch (slowly) holding 1 to 3 pound weights, or use a spandex rope and practice punching slowly with that type of resistance as well. The same can be applied to kicking. Do this until you are exausted.

Do not rapidly increase weight and or speed, as you can tear muscle or tendon, or throw a joint out of place.

Consult a physician before starting or changing any routine noted on this board or by any other person. It is always good to get a second opinion from someone who is familar with your strengths and weaknesses.

Just some brief thoughts...

[scottnshelly]

I am looking for some drills that would enhance the speed in which I deliver my punches and kicks.

Try this book.

[Thruhiker]

Thank you all for your replies, these are great ideas. White Warlock, I especially like your analogy of the eye blinking. That really hits home on how our body works and how repetition can affect our speed.

[orion82698]

Think of a blink. it is so quick, it hardly impedes your vision. It is performed repeatedly, every day, all the time. It is performed relaxed, and without conscious thought. It is natural, autonomic.

Bring your actions to the blink of an eye. Emulate it.

That's an awesome way of putting it!