However there is something also to be said for hanging bags and training with them also. A hanging bag will force you to make adjustments as it sways and swings and developing your footwork and ability to compensate for that.
I incorporate both into my training for this reason and always have but I have found it easier for a beginner or fledgeling fighter to learn and develop their skills more quickly if they initially start off with learning something using a free standing bag.
As for the smart part or aspect like numbered areas and such that a student or fighter is directed to punch, strike, or kick at I have mixed feelings about that. While that can help develop a student's reactions a little better they still must convert that mentally to real life application and striking, punching, and kicking specific areas. Not everyone can make that conversion and I instead prefer to teach students and fighters about those areas and the anatomical aspects behind those targets and why those are good spots to aim for. To me learning that is more critical really and is one of the things that students and fighters at a high level should have an understanding about. Then it is only a matter of the student or fighter seeing or creating the opening to attack that area and this knowledge and ability will serve them better over the long run I think.
Good for little kids as they do not have a lot of power. Not good for adults. They tip over way too easy and when they tip over a few times they will break. If you have water in the base you will flood your room and destroy your floor.
A hanging/swinging bag gives you feedback on your strikes and you can see where your power is going. Something a free standing bag does not do. Then you can correct your techniques accordingly. It also can take full power strikes without breaking and they last so much better too.
They are good to a certain extent.
