Difference Between Pads, Shields & Sticks Explained
As a coach or combat athlete, you know how essential the right training gear is for effective and safe sessions. But with so many types of pads, shields, and sticks available, it can be tough to know what to use when. In this guide, we explain the key differences between the most common training tools: hand pads, arm pads & shields, belly pads, thigh guards and sticks & paddles. Let’s help you choose the right gear for your goals.
1. Hand Pads & Focus Mitts
- Purpose: Speed, precision, and striking combinations
- Used by: Boxing, kickboxing, and MMA coaches
Hand pads, also known as focus mitts, are small and portable pads held by the coach. They're ideal for improving timing, accuracy, and speed. These mitts require excellent coordination from the coach and are perfect for technical and reactive striking drills.
Best for: Boxing combos, reflex training, and footwork-based drills
2. Arm Pads
- Purpose: Absorb hard kicks and knees
- Used by: Kickboxing and Muay Thai coaches
Arm pads (sometimes called Thai pads) are strapped to the coach’s forearms. They provide a larger surface area and better shock absorption than focus mitts, making them ideal for low kicks, high kicks, and knees. A must-have for high-impact full-contact training.
Best for: Power kicks, knee strikes, and full-contact drills
3. Kick Shields & Donut Pads
- Purpose: Absorb heavy strikes and kicks
- Used by: Kickboxing, MMA, and self-defense coaches
Kick shields are large, thick pads that the coach holds or braces against their body. They provide maximum impact protection during heavy strikes. Donut pads are a variation with a hole in the center, designed to absorb direct knees and elbows with precision.
Best for: Explosive power drills, beginner training, and conditioning
4. Belly Pads & Trainer Vests
- Purpose: Body shot and knee training
- Used by: Boxing, kickboxing, and MMA coaches
Belly pads and trainer vests protect the midsection and allow athletes to throw realistic body shots and knees without injuring the coach. Especially useful for close-range drills, clinch training, and liver shots.
Best for: Body combos, clinch work, and knee drills
5. Thigh Guards
- Purpose: Safely train low kicks and leg attacks
- Used by: Kickboxing and Muay Thai coaches
Thigh guards are worn on the legs to absorb low kicks. They allow coaches to train fighters in realistic leg combinations while staying protected. An essential for any serious leg-kick training.
Best for: Low-kick combos and defense drills
6. Paddles & Sticks
- Purpose: Train head movement, reflexes, and defense
- Used by: Boxing coaches and martial arts instructors
Paddles and sticks are lightweight tools used to simulate incoming punches and force movement responses. Coaches can target the head and body without risking their own hands. They're also much easier on the elbows than hand pads, making them a great alternative for coaches who run multiple private sessions daily.
Best for: Reflex training, head movement, and defensive awareness
Which Tool Is Right for Your Training?
| Training Focus | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Speed & Precision | Hand Pads / Focus Mitts |
| Hard Kicks & Knees | Arm Pads / Kick Shields |
| Realistic Body Shots | Belly Pads / Trainer Vests |
| Low Kick Training | Thigh Guards |
| Reflex & Evasion | Boxing Paddles / Sticks |
Our Advice
Whether you're a beginner coach or an experienced trainer, choosing the right gear makes a big difference in performance and safety. Investing in quality training equipment ensures better technique, more realistic sessions, and improved athlete development.
Check out our complete range of training tools or learn more in our guide: What protective gear do you need?
