Boxing - A basic overview for beginners

Boxing is a fun sport to get involved in, no matter your age or individual level of fitness. It is a discipline that stays with you long after you've learned it.

The misconception about boxing is that it is all about aggression, but that just isn't true. Boxing, like other martial arts, is about self control and being disciplined more than anything else, and while a certain amount of aggression can potentially be useful at any level of boxing, it is not necessary.

Proper boxing equipment is paramount in any boxing program. Compared to most other sports however, boxing equipment is relatively inexpensive, and can be very rewarding both mentally and physically. Rubber mouthpieces are an essential piece of boxing equipment for all boxers. They are a good investment and they're inexpensive. Furthermore, it will save you the hassle of the dental work which may be required when no mouthpiece is used. Wearing a mouthpiece will eliminate practically all teeth injuries and mouth lacerations which are caused by the lip coming in contact with an irregular tooth. Many boxers find it beneficial to secure a mouthpiece made from an actual impression even though it's a bit more expensive.

If you plan on entering into competition, headgear is a wise investment. "Competitive headgear" is lighter weight than the headgear used in training, but affords the same amount of protection to the eyes and ears. It includes extra padding at the base of the skull as protection against occasions when the boxer hits their head on the canvas as they fall. The minimum boxing equipment used in sparring is headgear, mouthpieces, and protective cups. If a mouthpiece slips out, or headgear becomes improperly adjusted, time should be taken to replace the mouthpiece or to properly adjust the headgear. Pay proper attention to all boxing equipment to help reduce the number of accidents

Boxers need stamina. By consistently heightening the intensity of training, as fitness allows, the body become accommodated with harder fitness routines which leads to increased stamina. Once the fitness routine is developed, time can be taken to improve specific techniques and skills. Physical and more importantly mental tolerances play a role in all boxers. If an individual has low motivation and low tolerance for physical exercise they won't get far. Therefore it makes sense to do some mental conditioning as well as physical. Training with more experienced boxers is a great way to learn from example and keep your goal right in front of you. Keep in mind though they are much more experienced so go at your own pace, not theirs.

During practice and training there are 3 general things to keep in mind:

1. Take Your Time:Your mind and body need time to adjust to the extra physical and mental stress its enduring. Instead of pushing an extra minute or going for ten more reps try half a minute and five more reps. This way you're intensifying the workout but not burning yourself out. One of the best lessons boxing can teach is patience.

2. Physical Training is a Must: There's no way around it you have to train. If you don't have the stamina to go the extra championship rounds you won't have the energy to focus on taking the guy across the ring down. It's important not only to build skills during training, but to use these skills during rounds. If you aren't focused on being winded in the last rounds then you can allow the techniques developed during training to shine.

3. Technique before Power: Don't focus purely on developing power. Power will come with the execution of proper technique. Before you learn to land a one-punch knock out, you have to perfect movement, timing, distance, balance and most importantly momentum of movement when punching. If you focus only on the one-hit KO, you will lose the match before it has even begun. Remember-Technique Before Power.

Psychological endurance coupled with physical stamina and technique are the components of a well rounded boxer. Once you have found out what training routine works for you, you can play with it and specialize it to your specific needs. This will help build endurance and land those punches when it counts.

Article : Dante Ladell