How to Do Speed Target Drills

Improve speed, reaction time, and accuracy with focus pads. Focus pads are padded training devices found in most martial arts stores. They can be used to train the accuracy of your punches and kicks, as well as your ability to quickly strike a suddenly open target. Fantastic drill for martial artists who want the edge.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two focus pads
• A partner

1. Determine which technique you want to practice. Have a partner hold one focus pad at a height that you can kick or punch.

2. For demonstration purposes, practice with a roundhouse kick. Kick the focus pad with a properly executed roundhouse kick.

3. Practice speed and reaction time. Have your partner randomly raise the focus pad and quickly execute a roundhouse kick.

4. Practice reaction time by having you and your partner devise signals that your partner can give. For each technique, have a really quick signal. For instance, have your partner face the focus pad downwards for a front kick, sideways for a roundhouse kick, and directly towards you for a side kick.

5. Practice combinations by having your partner hold two focus pads and raise the focus pads quickly and randomly. Also, try having your partner continually move the focus pads for practice with timing.

6. Have multiple partners surround you with focus pads. Have these partners randomly raise the focus pads.

Tips & Warnings

• Do stop your kick before hitting the target
• Do gradually increase the height of the focus pads to increase challenge
• Do not follow through each technique, since you will risk injuring your partner