All A BOUT Boxing, Part 2
Training
In this part I will discuss what to expect once you start your journey along the road of a Champion.
Please note that the information provided is general information only, and can not replace a coach and trainer.
Expect to work very hard to become a good boxer. As mentioned in Part One, boxers have to be in top physical condition.
Your coach will give you guidance for the boxing skills, but there may also be a trainer. The trainer will be in charge of your conditioning.
To give you an idea of what you will be expected to do as part of your training:
- Running about 10 blocks, 3 times a week
- Sit-ups and other ab training, every day
- 100 push-ups daily
- 75 squats a day
- 75 dips a day
- Skipping, 3 rounds at least 3 times a week
- Weight training, at least twice a week
- Medicine Ball training, at least twice a week
Your trainer may recommend more or different types of training than are listed here, but these are basic.
In addition to this you will be expected to work on your technique as well:
- Shadow boxing, 3 rounds at least 3 times a week
- Soft Sparring at least once a week
- Hard Sparring at least once a week
- One-on-one techniques with your coach
- Pad training at least twice a week
- Heavy Bag, 3 rounds at least 3 times a week
- Double-ended bag and speed bag, once a week at least
- Footwork practice, at least 3 times a week
Your coach may have you do other types of techniques training, but these are basic.
How to Train, An Explanation
For those of you who have never experienced this type of training, here is a short explanation of each type.
Running involves practicing your footwork, and my involve running backwards and sideways.
Abs training involves working the abdominal muscles and includes, but not limited to sit-ups, crunches and other ab exercises. Your trainer will go over these with you.
Push-ups are a staple exercise of boxers. I personally hate them, but get used to them. You will be doing a lot.
Squats involve strengthening your legs and knees. Good legs and knees are important in boxing.
Dips are done using a chair, and pulling yourself up the edge of the chair. This is for triceps conditioning.
Skipping for cardio.
Weight training will consist of different exercises using dumbbells including some circuit training. This would be covered in more detail by your trainer
Medicine Ball is used for various muscle conditioning including circuit training. This would be discussed in more detail by your trainer.
Shadow Boxing is very important. It allows you to practice your skills outside the ring, and in many cases your coach will provide feedback on your performance.
Soft Sparring, training with another boxer of similar skill, but not striking with full-power. this is used for a coach to grade your progress.
Hard Sparring, training with another boxer of similar skill, while striking with full-power punches. Used to test a boxer's physical ability. In most cases, hard sparring has to be approved by your coach for safety reasons.
One-On-One, this varies for each coach, but in most cases will involve the coach taking you aside and working with you on your technique.
Pads, this involves the coach holding target pads for you to hit.
Heavy Bag is for practicing your offense.
Double-ended bag and Speed bag are for improving your speed.
Footwork practice, footwork is important in boxing. On your toes !!!
This is just a quick explanation of what to expect while training for boxing. Always listen to your trainers and coach.
In the next entry, I will teach you about the rules of boxing.
