BOXING

[Sophiax]

I am so into boxing right now, have a free standing bag and gloves...after a hard days work its home, blasting out the rap tunes and punching the hell out of the bag

Its great for stress relief and tones the arms too.

[Lotfi_dk]

Its all so good as you get all the anger out
I used to do boxing before but now I don’t have much time

[Sophiax]

all about control... you should try to get back into it, my brothers and cousins box a few times a week.

[Lotfi_dk]

HOW TO STAND



The balanced stance is the starting point for all boxing moves. If the stance is not executed correctly, it’s very difficult to perform the punches and footwork safely and effectively.

1 - Place feet comfortably apart. Put your weight on the balls of your feet. You should feel "on balance" and able to move easily. Put about the same amount of weight on each foot.

2 - Bend your knees slightly. Not too much or you’ll find yourself in a crouch, which can be awkward and tiring.

3 - Position yourself slightly sideways to your imaginary opponent. With front foot, hip, and shoulders in line ( This maximizes your reach and minimizes the target area.)

Left hand position: Top of fist in line with top of shoulders, elbow slightly extended but still in position to protect your body.

Right hand position: Fist close to your chin, elbow stays close to your ribs, perpendicular to the floor. Neck and shoulders should be relaxed not "tight".

The Classic Stance is also referred to as orthodox. Proper stance is the key to executing all boxing moves correctly!

[Lotfi_dk]

The Left Jab



At least 60% of a boxer's punches will be straight jabs. It's the busiest punch in boxing because it can be thrown quickly without compromising a boxer's defense. In a boxing match the jab is utilized to score, keep your opponents at bay, and to set up combinations and power punches.

Remember all punches should be executed from a balanced boxing stance.

1 - The same arm as the lead foot extends forward, with the fist rotating so that the palm is parallel to the floor. Keep your elbows tucked in.

2 - The arm is brought back as quickly as it is thrown forward.

3 - Care has to be taken not to hyperextend at the elbow joint.

Jabs should be delivered directly from the chin with no wind-up. All punches should be "snapped" - Sharp delivery and sharp recovery.

[Lotfi_dk]

The Straight Right



The power of this punch is executed from the simultaneous rotation of the hip and shoulder, and pushing or driving off the ball of the rear foot, while stepping forward with the front foot. At the time of impact of the straight right, the right shoulder is closer to the opponent than the left shoulder. The hips are square, the chin down and the eyes on the target. The fist rotates the arm explodes in a straight line and punches through the target. Be careful not to wind up, lifting the rear elbow and telegraphing the punch. The left fist stays up to protect the chin.

This punch takes more energy and time to execute. The body will push off balance more easily and it is important to tighten the abdominal muscles to maintain the center of balance and proper alignment. The body and head are left open to counter punches and it is important to return to your protective balanced stance as quickly as possible.

The right cross is somewhat similar to the straight right, but the right cross has a slight arc as the punch is thrown across because of the slipping movement of the body while the punch is being thrown.

Some basic combinations using the straight right include: The one-two punch, (a fast left jab, then sliding the left foot forward to stay in range, rotate and a strong straight right), and double jab and straight right to the target, (two fast left jabs, sliding the foot forward to stay in range and the a fast straight right).

[Lotfi_dk]

The Left Hook



Classic stance, weight is on rear leg, knee slightly bent, transfer of weight to left foot, the left foot swivels inward on the ball of the foot as hips and shoulder start to rotate and body pivots. This creates a significant force that is transferred through the punch. The elbow of the hooking arm is bent at 90% and the inside of the arm is parallel to the floor. The punch is thrown fairly close to the opponent (close range), but too close or your hooking arm will end up wrapping around the back of the opponent’s neck. Thumb is up and knuckles point outward. The chin is kept tucked and the chin is protected by the left shoulder and right fist is kept high in a guarding position.

This punch is thrown outside of the opponent’s vision and is difficult to defend against. Right hook leaves you wide-open and better a combination would be a straight right with a left hook.

A good punch to execute after the left jab has pushed the opponent back. Jab and then a quick left hook can be practiced on the heavy bag. Develop a hook off the jab.