TIPS and TRICKS

by Smart Sports Staff

BOXING 101

1) A boxer's creed: Carbohydrates should be my principal source of energy. I need ample sources of protein to revive muscles and aid in new muscle growth and development. I need to eat unprocessed carbs from natural food sources. I need 8-10 glasses of water per day. I should keep far from saturated fats and fried foods. I should eat only primary fatty acids (like Omega-3) or use a Flaxseed Oil supplement.

2) Your stance should have chin tucked, lead shoulder slightly shrugged; elbows in; hands up; knees slightly bent; feet shoulder width apart, nearly parallel; and groin not open. And remember, never take your eyes off of your opponent.

3) Learn to read your opponent’s hips. Whenever a hip comes toward you, that is advanced notice that something is coming from that side. Also, your hips are your generator. Plug everything you do into your generator. Throwing punches without the hips is like fighting a duel with an unloaded gun. You might get the first shot off, but he'll be the one who really connects.

4) The jab helps to make you a good boxer. Without one, you're just a puncher (which can also be effective, but requires specialized attributes to pull it off). There's a saying in boxing that your jab is a can opener, and your cross is a spoon. The opponent is a can of meat. You've got to use your can opener to open the can BEFORE you can use your spoon to dig out the meat.

5) Two things to remember in throwing your hook: 1) Lead foot rotates on the ball like you're crushing peanuts. 2) Lead arm hooks horizontally and tight, like you're grabbing one of your friends around the neck with your arm and saying, "Come here!"

6) Your cross will put you in a bob position. You should be ready to stay low and elbow block, weave under, or jab to correct your posture. DO NOT just stand there fully extended with nowhere to go.

7) You have to drop your head to the level of your target. THIS INCLUDES BODY SHOTS. Not to do this is to get hit. Meanwhile, the chin is the magic button. Tuck yours, exploit his/hers.