49ers O-linemen learn to pack a punch

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SANTA CLARA -- While working out around the 49ers facility over the last year or two, Joe Staley would often see Ray McDonald and Justin Smith throwing punches into training mitts worn by strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama or one of their defensive teammates.It's nothing unusual. All linemen need strong and quick hands, and many have turned to boxing or some form of martial arts training to help foster that.Andre Carter flashed his black belt skills in Tae Kwon Do on the 49ers practice fields a decade ago. Aldon Smith, the Defensive Rookie of the Year, came to the 49ers with both boxing and martial arts training in his background.A five-year veteran of the league, Staley had never opted for a boxing workout. But when he and his offensive linemates noticed a difference in their defensive counterparts during practices last season, they decided it was time to start."We've really seen, especially in Ray McDonald, the carry over in how tight his hands are and how it's really escalated his game," Staley said. "We kind of brought it to (offensive line coach Mike Solari), and he saw Mark working with Ray one day and was like, 'Yes, we need to be doing that.' "With their position coach on board, all of the 49ers offensive linemen started throwing different combinations Uyeyama's way during this year's offseason workouts. Staley admits, it was awkward at first. Like Staley, most of the O-line has never boxed before so it's something they're all getting used to."It's fun though. It's good for keeping the hands up and getting the hands on," is how Alex Boone describes it. "I like it. It's a lot of fun. A workout."After seeing the difference it's made for the 49ers defensive line, it's a workout they're going to stick with."I think it's going to have the same effect on us. We're all about hand punch, hand placement," Staley explained. "Any little thing we can do that can make us better football players we're willing to try it."

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