Boxing is a laborious and challenging sport based on skill and superb physical conditioning, says Christy Halberts in “The Ultimate Boxer.” To become a good boxer you must do what good boxers do: learn the techniques and train hard. When you train, you must strive to master each skill individually.
Basic Skills
Boxing skills include punches and defensive maneuvers. Punches include the jab, hook and uppercut with the lead hand, and the power punch and uppercut with the rear hand. All other punches are variations of these fundamental punches. The primary defenses are hand counters, including parrying and blocking, integrated maneuvers such as ducking and weaving, and directional maneuvers such as sidestepping. Honing each of these skills is crucial to overcoming your opponent in the boxing ring.
Effective Punching
Punching with your arms alone results in weak strikes. In order to deliver forceful blows, you must pivot on your feet. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Put your lead leg forward and raise your guard. As you strike with your lead hand, rotate your feet in the direction of your punch and lift your trailing heel. When executing combos, pivot in alternating patterns so that your body spins with each punch. The aim is to channel the energy from your feet up your legs, through your hips and torso and into your shoulders and arms.
Effective Blocking
It is easy to get knocked off balance when blocking an attack, but that can be prevented by fortifying your stance. As your opponent throws a punch, bend your knees and drop your hips, ensuring that you keep your guard up. Exhale upon impact. Lowering your weight establishes a lower center of gravity, thereby strengthening your posture and permitting you to withstand hard punches while setting up for a counterattack.
Training
An important exercise for honing your boxing skills is shadowboxing. Shadowboxing is a simulated fight against an imaginary opponent, the aim of which is to employ your skills the same way you would in a real or competitive fight. This means that you punch with full extension and speed -- sidestep, duck and weave as if to evade an attack. You can also perform a series of consecutive strikes to mimic a combination sequence. Other training activities include hitting bags, sparring with focus mitts and executing sparring drills.
Warning
Boxing is a high-impact sport that can result in injury to your brain, eyes, ears, nose, jaw, vital organs and nervous system, according to Friedrich Unterhar in “Boxing.” Do not attempt boxing unless under the instruction of an accredited coach. Practice safe fighting principles and wear protective padding during sparring matches.
References
- The Ultimate Boxer: Understanding the Sport and Skills of Boxing”; Christy Halbert; 2003
- How-To-Box: Power in the Pivot
- How-To-Box: Blocking
- “Boxing: Medical Aspects”; Friedrich Unterhar; 2003
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