Boxing is a combative sport in which two competitors battle toward victory, using only their hands as weapons. Opponents fight for a determined number of three-minute time segments, called rounds, taking a one-minute rest period in between. The winner of a boxing match is established if either participant can no longer defend himself adequately or if, at the end, it is determined that one has accumulated the highest number of points throughout the event.
Everywhere Counts
A boxer scores points by hitting his opponent between the top of his head and waistline. However, too much emphasis is placed on delivering punches to a rival’s face or midsection. A person who fights exclusively to the head or body fails to properly use some of the most powerful tools in his arsenal. While hitting any area on the back of a boxer’s torso is prohibited, the undersides of your opponent’s arms are free game. A short and sharp punch to the triceps area tears muscle and inflames tendons. Beating your adversary’s biceps, shoulders and forearms causes painful swelling and bruising. Delivering blows to the side of the neck or to the ear can cause disorientation, increasing your chances of scoring a knockdown. Over time, your foe will lose both the ability to keep his arms up and the power to throw punches. When you take advantage of every possible opening you, in essence, disable your opponent’s capacity to defend himself.
The Straight Line
When you are throwing straight punches, eliminate extraneous movement from the delivery of your strikes. Resist the urge to either draw back your hand before punching or winding up for one of those wild roundhouse swings depicted in cowboy movies. Much more power is generated by firing directly from the shoulder, pushing the punch forward from your legs shoulders and midsection, held in proper stance. Removing wasteful motion also gives your opponent no warning of when or where you plan to strike next, which dramatically increases your chances of connecting.
Slipping Tips
Slipping is the term used to describe the act of dodging a facial attack by leaning your torso, from the waist, to one side or the other. When avoiding a strike in this manner, remember to face forward with both hands held high. It’s also important, to move just outside of your adversary’s blow–2 or 3 inches at most. Leaning too far will dislocate your center of gravity, making it difficult for you to return fire with power. This can be an offensive, as well as defensive, maneuver. Each time your opponent throws a punch, his guard is left open. Moving just slightly outside of his striking path allows you to retaliate quickly, giving you the opportunity to hit before he can return his arm to a defensive position.
About this Author
Harold Sconiers is a jack of many trades. As an adolescent, he achieved accolades as an amateur boxer, subsequently taking his skills into the professional ranks. At the same time, his naturally creative mind allowed him to delve into developing other aspects of his artistic side. He is a community actor, writer, amateur filmmaker and inventor.
