5 TIPS for BEGINNER BOXERS

1. Learn the Foundation

The foundation is the boxing apprenticeship that should be completed before the flair and flamboyance is pursued.

Beginner boxer asks a coach: 

Q: “How do I become a good boxer?”

A: “Learn the stance and footwork and you’re halfway there.”

This skillset that should form the core of beginner training is:

• stance
• basic footwork (forward, backward, left and right)
• 8 punches (jab and cross, head hooks, uppercuts and body hooks)
• basic defensive moves 

Take the time to learn these core modules and complete your boxing apprenticeship. Don’t rush. Be sequential and thorough. 

2. Relax and Don’t Forget to Breathe

A relaxed boxer is a fast boxer. A rigid and tense boxer is mechanical and slow. Additionally, tense and tight muscles use more fuel and tire quicker than relaxed and loose muscles. It’s super important to save your fuel for when you really need it. Such as moving quickly to execute or avoid a punch. So keep those knees slightly bent, shoulders should be ‘low’ and loose and hands relaxed until that tiny moment before hitting your target. Avoid clenching your fists tightly in your gloves.

The key to boxing is relaxation

We all know it’s hard to relax when nervous or when learning a new skill. Breathing properly will help significantly. Learn how to breathe like a boxer.

4. Shadow Box

Practicing your skills in front of a mirror is highly beneficial in correcting technique flaws. Mirrors do not lie. 

Shadow boxing is one word — practice 

Visualise punches coming at you and move your head and body accordingly. Similarly, throw single punches and combinations at an imaginary opponent. 

NB. Be mindful not to hyperextend the arms when shadow boxing.