Double end bag
Double end bags: the only target that hits back, from the no-drill suction cup model to the hand-stitched round ball
The essentials: four boxing double end bags, also called floor to ceiling balls, strung between floor and ceiling to train timing, accuracy and upper body slipping. Round 20 cm in hand-stitched PU leather, 6 colours. Oval 40 × 20 cm, 6 colours. Compact oval in black. 9 cm foam ball on suction cups, with no drilling at all. Pump and fixings supplied on every model, free standard shipping.
A heavy bag takes it. A double end bag answers back. Strung between a ceiling anchor and a floor anchor, it comes back at the face on every shot, at a speed you set by adjusting the tension of the cords. It is the only training tool that forces you to strike, slip and reset in the same movement, without a partner and in under a square metre.
A note on names. In English the terms double end bag and floor to ceiling ball both describe this tool. It is not the same thing as a speed bag, which is fixed under a wall platform and rebounds off the board. This collection covers the floor-to-ceiling family.
🥊 Which model to choose
| Model | Target | Fixing | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double end bag 40 cm | Oval 40 × 20 cm, synthetic leather | 2 hooks and a pump | Beginners, long combinations. The most generous surface in the range, 6 colours |
| Round double end bag | Round, 20 cm diameter, hand-stitched PU leather | 2 carabiners and a pump | Pure accuracy: identical rebound whatever the angle of the shot, 6 colours |
| Oval double end bag | Compact oval, black PU synthetic leather | 2 hooks and a pump | A reduced format for tight spaces |
| Suction cup ball | Solid foam, 9 cm diameter | 2 suction cups, no drilling | Rented flats, offices, travel. Set up in a minute |
The rule is simple: the bigger the target, the more it forgives. The 40 cm is the best first double end bag. The round 20 cm is the most instructive once the technique is there, because a sphere returns exactly what you give it. The 9 cm foam ball is the most demanding of the four, and the only one you can carry with you.
📏 The adjustment that changes everything
Two parameters, in this order. First the height: the centre of the ball should sit between the chin and the eyes, guard high. Any lower and there is no slipping left to do, and the drill loses most of its point.
Then the tension: slack cords give a slow return and a wide swing, ideal for learning distance; tight cords give a very fast return and a short swing, for speed and tight slips. The table of the three settings is detailed on the oval double end bag page.
Do not hit hard. These bags train timing, not power: a full-force shot distorts the trajectory and wears the lacing without adding anything. For power, a heavy bag remains the right tool.
🔩 Installation: anchors, weight or suction cups
The three inflatable models need two anchor points, one high and one low. The high point screws into the ceiling or a beam. The low point can be screwed into the floor, but it is easily replaced by a weight with a ring — a cast iron plate or a dumbbell — which avoids drilling into tiles. Without a low point the ball does not tension and the tool does not work.
The suction cup model gets round the problem, on one condition: the cups need a smooth, non-porous and clean surface — tiles, glass, marble or laminate. On render, bare plaster or textured wallpaper they will not hold. The full compatibility table is on its product page.
For hooks, plugs and extensions, see the hanging kits.
🥅 Double end bag, speed bag or reflex ball
Three families often confused, three different qualities. The speed bags rebounds off a wall platform: it builds rhythm and shoulder endurance, but it never threatens the face. The reflex balls on a headband trains hand-eye coordination with no installation at all, perfect for warm-ups or travel. The double end bag is the only one of the three that comes straight back at the guard: it is the closest to ring sensations.
⏱️ Fitting it into a session
Three rounds of three minutes are enough to move the technique forward, placed between two bag rounds or at the end of a session when fatigue starts lifting the guard. Look for fluidity rather than impact: jab, slip, cross, reset. The aim is not to hit hardest but never to let the ball stop. hand wraps are enough for short sessions; bag gloves become useful as the volume rises.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a speed bag and a double end bag?
A speed bag is fixed under a wall platform and rebounds off the board: it trains rhythm and arm endurance. A double end bag is strung between floor and ceiling by two cords: it comes back at the face and trains accuracy, timing and upper body slipping. This collection covers the second.
What size should I choose to start?
The oval 40 × 20 cm. It is the largest striking surface in the collection, so the most forgiving: the target stays readable as the pace rises and lets you build combinations without getting discouraged. The round 20 cm and the 9 cm foam ball are markedly more demanding.
Can one be installed without drilling?
Yes, with the suction cup model, which fixes to any smooth, non-porous surface in under a minute. On the hook models, you can also drill the ceiling only and replace the lower anchor with a weight fitted with a ring, such as a cast iron plate, which avoids drilling the floor.
What ceiling height do I need?
The inflatable models adjust to a striking height of 1.80 m to 2.20 m (about 5'11" to 7'3"), which covers a standard room of 2.40 to 2.50 m. The suction cup model has 290 cm of cord, the longest in the range: it takes high ceilings and even a diagonal fitting between two walls.
Does the ball arrive inflated?
The three inflatable models ship deflated with their pump. Inflate until the ball is firm but still gives slightly under the thumb: over-inflation stiffens the rebound and tires the seams. The suction cup model uses a solid foam ball and does not inflate.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, supervised and with the height lowered to their face level, the cord shortened accordingly. Go for slack tension, which slows the return and leaves time to react. The foam ball is the most forgiving in case of facial contact.
⚫ The Esprit Boxe world
- speed bags — rhythm and shoulder endurance on a platform.
- reflex balls — hand-eye coordination with no installation.
- punching bags — power and training volume.
- hanging kits — hooks, plugs and ceiling anchors.
- boxing gloves and hand wraps — to protect the joints.
- skipping ropes — conditioning and footwork.
See all our boxing equipment guide.