Choosing focus mitts: what to look for
Choose curved mitts with resilient padding, a padded inner glove and a sturdy wrist strap; Twins PML is the classic.
Good focus mitts (punch mitts) have a slightly curved shape that guides the punch to the centre, thick but resilient padding, a padded inner glove that protects the coach's hand and a sturdy wrist strap. The Twins PML range is the classic; Booster and King Pro Boxing make good alternatives in leather and synthetic leather.
What focus mitts are for
Focus mitts are the most important type of pad for hand work. The coach holds them at the height and angle where they want the punch, and moves them to train distance, timing and reaction. A good mitt session trains technique, speed, conditioning and decision-making all at once.
Unlike a punching bag, mitts give feedback: the coach feels whether your punch lands well, whether you rotate, whether you overreach. That is why they are the heart of Billy's one-to-one pad sessions. For anyone wanting to buy mitts themselves, for a partner at home or to hold for others, the choice is bigger than it looks: there are flat, curved, small, large, light and heavily padded models.
Shape: flat, curved or deep
- Flat mitts: simple and light, but a punch slides off more easily. Mainly for beginners and youth.
- Slightly curved mitts: the standard. The curve catches the punch in the centre and gives the coach more control. Twins PML and most Booster mitts are slightly curved.
- Deeply curved or cup-shaped mitts: the punch stays right in the centre, ideal for precision and hooks. A little heavier and less suited to fast combinations.
For all-round use you choose slightly curved. If you train a lot of hooks and uppercuts, deeply curved is nice. Many coaches have two pairs: a fast, light pair for combinations and a thicker curved pair for heavy students.
Padding and thickness
The padding has to do two things: protect the coach's hand and spring back, so the punch doesn't land dead. Padding that is too soft feels flat after a hundred punches and strains the holder's wrist; padding that is too hard hurts the puncher's knuckles. Good mitts have multi-layer padding: firm on the striking side, softer against the hand.
Thickness is a trade-off between protection and speed. Thick mitts of around 5 to 7 cm are nice for heavy athletes and for coaches who put in a lot of hours. Thinner mitts are lighter and faster, and give the coach more feel for the punch, but with hard straight punches you feel them come through. If you hold for athletes over 85 kg, go thick.
The inside: the coach's comfort
Anyone buying mitts often only looks at the striking side. But the holder wears them for an hour. So pay attention to:
- A padded inner glove that protects the holder's knuckles and palm
- A ball or raised section in the palm, so the hand can stay closed and relaxed
- Ventilation holes against sweating
- A wide, adjustable wrist strap that keeps the mitt in place on a hard punch
A mitt without a good wrist strap twists away on a hook and that is unpleasant for both parties. Try mitts on, just like gloves, with a thin hand wrap if you use one. In our shop each model states whether the inner glove is padded and how the wrist strap is made.
Leather or synthetic leather
Mitts take thousands of punches a week in exactly the same spot. Leather withstands that for years and only gets more supple; synthetic leather eventually cracks in the centre of the striking side. For a coach or gym, leather is the choice. For home use a few times a week, synthetic leather is enough, and it is a good deal cheaper.
Twins Special makes the PML range from leather, handmade in Thailand. Booster, Fairtex x Booster and King Pro Boxing have both leather and synthetic leather mitts. With leather, check the thickness of the striking side: thick leather stays taut, thin leather starts to wrinkle after a while and then gives less feel.
Holding mitts yourself: the technique
Holding mitts is a skill. Hold the mitt where the target would be (jaw height for a straight, side of the head for a hook) and meet the punch lightly, so it gives a clear smack. Don't hold the mitt still in the air and don't slap towards the punch; light counter-pressure is enough.
Keep your wrist firm and your elbow slightly bent. Move after every combination, so the puncher has to follow, and occasionally send a mitt towards the puncher's head so they have to cover. If you want to learn it properly, watch how Billy uses the mitts at one of his pad sessions: the holder determines how good the training is.
| Feature | Advice |
|---|---|
| Shape | Slightly curved for all-round, deeply curved for precision |
| Thickness | 5-7 cm for heavy athletes, thinner for speed |
| Padding | Multi-layer, resilient |
| Inner glove | Padded, with palm ball and ventilation |
| Wrist strap | Wide and adjustable |
| Material | Leather for heavy use, synthetic leather at home |
| Examples | Twins PML, Booster, King Pro Boxing |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need pads & mitts for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best focus mitts?
Twins PML in leather is considered the classic. Booster and King Pro Boxing make comparable mitts, also in synthetic leather for home use.
Curved or flat mitts?
Curved. The punch stays in the centre and the holder has more control. Flat is only worth considering for youth or beginners.
Are thick mitts better?
For heavy athletes and many hours of holding, yes. Thin mitts are faster and give more feel, but protect less.
Can I use mitts for kicks?
Not really. For kicks you use Thai pads or a kick shield; mitts are made for punches.
Should I wear hand wraps under mitts?
Not compulsory, but a thin hand wrap or inner glove makes holding more comfortable and absorbs sweat.
