Boxing Training Questions & Answers
If you're a beginning boxer you don’t always know the right position to put yourself in front of your target, so its important to learn the basic boxing stance. It will allow you to throw punches and defend against them.
Steps for basic boxing stance:
1. Position yourself sideways toward the target, so that you lead with the shoulder opposite that of your strong punching hand. If you're a right-handed boxer, point your left shoulder toward the target.
2. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and, if you're right-handed, take a step forward with your left foot.
3. Line up the heel of your lead foot with the toes of your other foot. Angle them at 45-degree to your target.
4. Keep your knees and hips slightly bend, but keep your back fairly straight.
5. Lift your back heel off the floor - no more than 3 inches. Your body should be perfectly balanced in this stance – (if pushed you shouldn't stagger in any direction.
6. Bring your elbows close to your sides and raise your forearms.
7. Now protect the main portion of your torso by keeping your forearms in front of you. Hold your arms firmly upright, but also relaxed.
8. Slightly lean your head forward.
9. Keep your hands at chin or cheek level. And turn your palms inward.
Try not to tense yourself up in this stance. In this basic boxing position, you should be able to move in any direction without stumbling.
- I would like to know how to train as a boxer?
You have to start from the basics from the stance to the defending tactics and attacking moves. After a thorough training regime which may take anything between six months to a year depending on your progress – you then goes through the sparring sessions with other boxers before one is ready for the real thing.
- How can I make my punches more effective
When a physical argument with someone is unavoidable, it is crucial you know how to not only block an incoming strike but also be able to strike back.
The easiest of the punches to learn is the forward punch and is best accomplished while you are in “basic boxing stance or fighting stance”
From the basic boxing stance position you can execute blocks and throw punches.
When throwing a punch you must first have a proper fist made. A common mistake made by many beginners is to have the thumb inside the fist with the other fingers surrounding it. When a fist is made this way and connects with an opponent the thumb can become broken.
Another mistake often seen with beginners is the thumb on the outside of the fist but sticking up and away from the rest of the hand. The ideal thumb position is wrapped around and across the rest of the fingers but not extending above their first joint.
When throwing a punch you want to make sure the first two knuckles of the hand connect first. These are the knuckles above the index and middle fingers. You also want to hit square on these knuckles and not a mixture of knuckle and first section of your fingers. Because this can pop or sprain a finger if they hit the opponent first.
If you limit yourself to his face, chest or stomach, this is where you will pull your punch and it will have little or no power. By seeing your fist go through his body, you will carry through with the punch and have a greater amount of force behind it.
It is very important to remember when throwing a punch to draw it back as fast as you can. Don’t hit the fellow and leave it sticking out at him. Bring it right back to the guard position and if possible follow it up with a second punch or a punch from the rear hand. A steady stream of strikes will be much more affective than one punch, pause, another punch, pause and so forth. You will also want to alternate your striking targets so your opponent won’t be able to anticipate your moves as easily.
The best way to throw an effective punch is to practice, practice and practice. This can be done in the air, on a punching bag, into a cushion or even a large sack of dog food. Speed and power will build over time and with repeated practice.
- Can you give some nutritional information that can be used for boxers?
Boxers are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. Competitive boxers train frequently. For competitive boxers it is common to have an intense morning run, followed by an evening of sparring, bag work, and conditioning drills - so proper nutrition is crucial to keep pace with such a demanding schedule.
Nutritional info:
* Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day (fizzy drinks and juice don’t count) but herbal teas or adding lemon or lime to water to give flavor - do count.
* Try and avoid fried foods and saturated fats, and instead opt for baked or broiled items.
* Supplement with essential fatty acids i.e. flaxseed oil or cod liver oil.
* Eat complex carbohydrates - such as wholemeal, oatmeal, and lots of fruit. (again avoid processed foods i.e. white flour.)
* Eat sources of protein, like chicken, beef, and eggs.