Overview

  

 

 

 

     Being able to do something is easy, but to do it well, whenever it is called upon, consistently and effectively requires drill work. Drilling a technique is the only way it's ever to become an effective technique. If someone says, "I learned how to punch and I'm ready to get in the ring," they're lying. You have to use drills while working the pads, hitting the bag, or with another person. Only then will you have a chance of executing the technique in the ring.

Weave Drills

 

 

 

 

In order for a boxer to go from simply learning a technique, such as the weave,  to using it instinctively, the boxer must practice the technique over and over in various ways.  One such way is with a rope.  Or in my case, handwraps. 

Skipping Rope

    

 

 

 

 

     When you think of jumping rope (or skipping rope), what do you picture? Probably a boxer in a gym. Seems logical. After all, skipping rope and boxing go back many years. 

Focus Mitts

  

 

 

 

 

     A focus mitt looks like a catcher's glove and are used in a similar way. A catcher's gloves receives a baseball from a pitcher while a focus mitt receives a fist from a boxer. Focus mitts are sometimes referred to as focus pads, punch mitts, or simply, "the pads." 

Two Person Drills

   Having a training partner increases the effectiveness of your work-out. Whether it is jogging with a friend or having someone to shoot hoops with, you tend to do the exercise longer and in some cases, more intense. In boxing, two person drills improves your timing and accuracy among other attributes. One drill that improves your sparring skills is what I like to call "catch and return." Basically, one partner throws a punch (or combination) while the other blocks/defends himself then returns the same combination. Then after a few times doing this, the second boxer initiates. *Note* The boxer in white is a beginner, this is his first time doing this.

Work Out Routines

 

   Remember, before you begin any exercise routine, be sure to warm up to prevent injury. Warm ups should include rotating the neck, swinging the arms in and out, rotating the hips, rotating the wrists, and jogging or skipping rope. Let me say, there are MANY ways to warm up, but the shoulders, wrists, arms and legs must be warm and loose before beginning any boxing work out.