Training for boxing is a requirement before an athlete gets into the ring to fight an opponent. A boxer must make sure he is in top physical condition. He must work on his ability to deliver a punch with power and effectiveness. This requires strength, coordination and timing. A fighter also must have confidence and that comes from putting in the work before a fight and sparring against a live opponent.
Function
A fighter has to hit the speed bag to learn timing and coordination and improve his hand-eye coordination. Boxers use the speed bag to develop a quick and effective left jab. This is probably the most important punch in boxing because it is thrown with more frequency than any other punch and can do a lot of damage and it can also set up power punches by knocking your opponent off-balance. Hit the speed bag with the 1-2-3 method. After you jab the bag, it will hit the back support, rebound to the front support and then hit the back support again before your next punch.
Significance
One of the most significant aspects to training is doing roadwork at least three times per week when you have a fight on the schedule. Run 3 to 5 miles to build stamina and determination. Most boxers get in their running early in the morning before the start of their training day. Not only will the running help a fighter get in better shape, it will help him learn to dig deep when he is fatigued late in a boxing match and find a way to finish the job.
Considerations
Get in the ring and spar against a live opponent to put your skills to the test. No matter how hard you train and how strong you are, the only way to measure your ability is to get in the ring with a live opponent. You are trying to hit him with hard punches and he is trying to do the same to your. While you will both wear oversized gloves and protective head gear, you will have a better chance of becoming prepared to step in the ring when you spar against a live opponent.
Benefits
Hitting the heavy bag and doing weight training exercises will help you get stronger and hit harder in the boxing ring. Before the 1970s, fighters were hesitant to lift weights because they feared the practice would slow them down and leave them musclebound. Advances in weight training removed this obstacle. Fighters quickly learn that strength alone does not translate into a fighter developing an explosive punch. However, when improved strength is combined with the proper technique that one a boxer gains by hitting the heavy bag, a boxer can improve his punching power.
Expert Insight
While there may be a few fighters who can get by without rigorous effort in training, the vast majority cannot. The higher the level the boxer is at, the more rigorous and demanding the training sessions. "The best fighters always use their training sessions wisely," said renowned boxing trainer Freddie Roach. "Great fighters work hard in training and don't waste their time. They build their skill level with hard work and planning."
Posted in: Boxing