Why use reflex balls for training?
To start off this review I wanted to get down to the bottom of why you should consider getting a reflex ball and if they are actually any good for boxing training.
Reflexes themselves play a huge part in boxing as you need them to dodge punches, to counter hit your opponent and for timing the exact moment to punch effectively. This skill itself is something that can be played down at times by many, but the reality is you need some sort of reflex ability if you are going to compete in sparring or competition.
This is where the reflex ball becomes an invaluable tool to practice and improve your reflexes for boxing. Unlike other boxing training techniques such as shadow boxing, the heavy bag and training mitts to an extent – they won’t hit you back. Getting used to something not hitting you back can be bad if your preparing to face someone in the ring and this is why the reflex ball is a great tool to use.
So what does the reflex ball actually improve for you? Well after much practice this is what advantages it will give you:
- Improved hand eye coordination
- Ability to practice counter punching timing
- Head movement and defense techniques
- Muscle endurance the longer you do it
- Punch accuracy – you’ll be hitting a small target
As you can see above there is actually quite a lot the reflex ball can give you in terms of using for boxing training. Now before I get onto the reviews below of the best reflex ball products for you. Check out the pound for pound boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, Vasyl Lomachenko in action below.
Amazing right!? Now anyone can be as good Lomachenko is here, it really just takes practice. When you first start doing it for the first time you will miss the ball constantly, but just like with anything – the more you practice the quicker you will master it.
Now for my reviews on some of the best boxing reflex balls you can buy today.
1. FGHTR Fight Ball
The FGHTR Fight Ball is one of the top reflex balls you can get and is perfect for beginners. This is because FGHTR have included a brilliant PDF Guide on “How To Master” using your reflex ball which is great if you don’t know where to start. This ball is much lighter and softer than a regular tennis reflex balls you will see and won’t be as harsh when punching.
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Learn more about the FGHTR Fight Ball here
Also make sure to use my discount code “BOXINGLIFE” for 10% off! FGHTR also have some other useful training tools and apparel you can check out.
2. Ueasy Boxing Reflex Ball
The Ueasy boxing reflex ball can come in two different versions as a tennis or rubber ball depending on what fancies your pick. The ball also comes along with an elastic head strap and clip along with a long elastic rope which is attached to the ball. You will need to cut the elastic rope before you go ahead and practice, preferable you want the elastic rope at arms length. A very good starting option for either reflex ball.
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Learn more on Amazon here
3. Alliance Athletic Boxing Reflex Ball
It’s definitely a more expensive option to go with, but you will get a lot more out of it than with other reflex ball products out there. Yes you may pay a bit more, but overall the quality is a lot better. It comes with decent head strap attached with a fully adjustable elastic rope depending on your arm length – you won’t need to cut it yourself for this one. It comes with a softer ball for your hand, along with safety glasses in case your worried about hitting your eyes. Alliance Athletic have also thrown in a handy guide on the best ways to get you started. If you can afford to spend a bit more money this is an excellent option:
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Learn more on Amazon here (UK only)
4. McFitness Boxing Punching Ball Set
McFitness have come up with a fantastic reflex ball package which really is an excellent choice if you want to become very good at using the reflex ball. Their amazing package includes; an adjustable headband, three different balls to improve your overall skill set from beginner to advanced and they have included there very own hand wrap to protect your hands. McFitness have also thrown in how to guide for both the reflex ball and hand wrap making it perfect option for beginners wanting stick with this.
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Learn more on Amazon here (UK only)
5. Battle Pulse Reflex Ball
Battle Pulse have created a very robust adjustable head brand with the aim of maximum comfort when training with their Boxing reflex ball. This is a great starter pack for anyone looking to develop their boxing reflexes. They have also included a lighter ball for beginners and a heavier advanced punch ball as you advance in your skill set. A bag and instructional manual are also included in this great package.
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Learn more on Amazon here
6. Box A Ball
The “Box a ball” is another fantastic option to start with if you are looking for an easy to hit ball straight away. The product itself comes with an elasticated head band strap with a velcro attachment. The elastic rope and rubber ball are also already attached to the headband which means you can use it straight away.
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Learn more on Amazon here
7. AOU Reflex Ball
Now if style is more your thing and you want to look like Lomachenko above, the AOU (All of you) reflex ball comes along with a cool buttoned snap back hat that has a handy ready-made clip attached to it. The elastic rope is attached to the hat clip which is also very long and adjustable to be the right fit for you when you start practicing. You will also need to cut the elastic rope on the one too, make sure it’s arm length, just as I said above. So if you want to practice in style this is the best option for you:
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Learn more on Amazon here
Conclusion
So if you are looking to improve your reflexes and timing, purchasing a reflex ball is great and affordable option to get you started. There are lots of products out there, but hopefully these picks will give you a few decent choices to choose from. Always remember this is just a fun and different approach to improve your reflexes, there are lots of other boxing training techniques you can also try to improve this.
I hope you have enjoyed this boxing product review and for more of my boxing reviews just click here to check them out.
Thanks for reading!
So my grandson has started boxing, so I’m just looking around for something for his birthday, and I figured that I might get him something to help with his new venture. I saw this article, and I was like, “This is the coolest thing ever!” I mean, how genius, right? It really helps with dodging and hand-eye coordination, I mean, I can just see me trying this thing, ha ha. It would probably be pretty funny, and if I know my grandson, he’s going to make “Gigi” try it too if I buy it for him.
It sounds like it really helps to improve so many of the skills he’s going to need, in such a simple device. Awesome!
Hi Babsie, thanks for your comment! I’m glad you like the look of this and it actually makes quite a fun birthday gift to get someone (especially if they like trying something different).
If he’s starting boxing this will definitely help him out with his reflexes and hand eye coordination too.
Thanks
J
I am not a boxer, but let the truth be told this looks like a great tool for not only training your reflexes, but also for those who want to stay fit while doing boxing.
I come from a place where there is not much training equipment, but I would say this reflex training ball should be on the top of the list for those guys. I will need to get one for myself so I can try stay fit at home.
Thanks for reviewing!
Hi Charles, thanks for commenting. It really is just an elastic string on ball, but it does so much for you in terms of improving your reflexes and helping your fitness. It’s something different and boxing training can become quite repetitive at times, so this give you something new to try.
Thanks
J
This is really amazing, I had no idea there was ever a thing called reflex balls I have just learnt that here, and I have a few musings; is the reflex ball for all boxers, I mean do they always need to train with these reflex balls, I also need to know if the tennis type reflex balls are actually made out of the same lemon greenish tennis ball material. Cheers and best regards.
Hi,
Not all boxers use them, but for me personally I like use them just to mix up my training and try something a bit different. The tennis ball reflex balls are also made out of the same material, I have found these can irritate the skin on your knuckles after using too much, but just by a little.
Hope this helped you.
Thanks
J
My twin brother is going to love this, I know little or nothing about boxing, but I’m dead sure this will be good for him. I love the simplicity at which you write and the simplicity of your blog, that alone could get me glue to your page. I should bookmark this page for my twin bro.
Hi,
Thanks for the positive comments! I would appreciate if you would share with your brother, I’m sure he will love if he is into boxing training.
J
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for sharing this great post. I would not even know about this if I did not read your article. I am not a boxer, but let the truth be said this looks like a great tool for not only training your reflexes, but also for those who want to stay fit while doing boxing. If you do not have adequate training tools, then you can retain your training with this reflex training ball. It looks like the reflex ball can be very effective for body fitness too. Thanks once again for advising on the different option. I am going to try this out and share it with my friends & family.
Hi man,
Appreciate the comment and yes, it can definitely help out with your reflex skilsl and fitness to an extent. I would use it personally for a warm up before or a warm down after your training. Hope this blog helped and thanks for sharing!
Thanks
J
hi do u feel when doing this activity (reflex ball). that ur focus and concentration is completely immersed right to the point were it is hard to focus on ur thoughts and not get distracted mentally by anything. thanks
Hi Daniel, thanks for the comment! I think for me I am totally immersed when using a reflex ball, as it forces you to concentrate or you will get hit by the ball! It’s really a good mental challenge too and different to other boxing training methods.