Focus mitts are a flatter, more compact style of hand mitt, held rather than worn loosely, with a defined target area that makes it easier for the holder to give precise feedback on where a strike landed. They are widely used to train punch accuracy, combinations and reaction speed.
Because the target area on a focus mitt is smaller and more clearly defined than on a curved pad, they reward clean, controlled technique and quickly reveal when a punch lands off centre. Holders often move the mitts to call for specific combinations or to simulate an opponent's guard, which helps a striker practise adjusting to a moving target rather than a fixed one.
Good focus mitt work depends on both people paying attention, the striker to technique and the holder to safely absorbing impact and giving useful feedback. Sessions are usually shorter and more intense than bag work, since the focus is on precision rather than volume. See our protective gear overview for how focus mitts relate to other pad equipment used in training.
