Boxing can help young people learn discipline, become more confident and get in top physical condition. While it can be a dangerous sport because opponents are throwing hard punches at each other, amateur and youth boxers wear protective headgear to prevent serious injuries. When young people train for boxing, they work on conditioning, skill building and strength.
Conditioning
To get in the ring and start training, youngsters have to get in top shape. This can be done by running, hitting the speed bag and jumping rope. Boxers do roadwork so they can get in proper condition for a lengthy fight. An amateur youth fight consists of three two-minute rounds and you need stamina to last. Running two miles three times a week will help you build endurance. Hitting the speed bag for two minutes at a time will help you build coordination and endurance. Jumping rope will help you build leg strength, coordination and timing.
Skill Building
Young boxers have to know how to throw punches with a purpose, which means having a plan in the ring. In addition to being a conditioning tool, hitting the speed bag will help you build punching accuracy and feel comfortable when throwing punches. Hit the heavy bag to develop power. All boxers quickly learn that heavy punches are a function of getting your entire body behind the punch. Power punches start in your legs, travel through your core muscles and then are thrown with your shoulders, arms and fists. Hitting the floor-to-ceiling bag is another skill-building tool. The floor-to-ceiling bag hangs on strong elastic that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. It is about the size of an underinflated basketball. When you punch the bag, it rebounds in an unpredictable manner. Hitting the bag builds punching accuracy and confidence.
Sparring
This is the biggest test for most young boxers. Even eager participants may have a bit of trepidation before they get in the ring against another competitor of equal size, strength and experience. Protective headgear and oversize gloves can help prevent injuries, but you must have some competence to keep from getting hit and hurt. A successful sparring session teaches a young boxer that he can throw a punch, move around the ring, avoid punches and even absorb one.
Training Schedule
To become a competent youth boxer requires discipline. You have to come into the gym and train at least four times a week. While this is a major commitment, it is necessary because you are putting yourself at risk in this sport.
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