The Speed Bag

There is some controversy out there regarding the traditional speed bag as some of the modern boxing trainers have decided to forgo using the speed bag as part of their training regimine. Part of the reason for this is the feeling that the speed bag is an unrealistic training tool and the attributes that it develops do not effectively translate to actual fighting. I guess the ultimate answer to this is up to the indiviudal, but from my perspective there is one functional aspect that the speed bad develops well: in order to hit the speed bag as it rapidly bounces towards you, you can not keep your hands to low. So, on a baseline level, the speedbag does help you learn to keep your hands up. Also, it is an effective calorie burner and stress reliever. As such, I would be inclined not to dismiss it out of hand as an effective training tool.