There are common mistakes in boxing that beginners usually make. Still, also even experienced athletes have something here and there that they need to fix. For this reason, we have decided today to look at some of the mistakes in boxing training that boxers make, no matter their level.
Since we know that getting punched in the face sucks, read about these mistakes in boxing and work on your technique. You will see that after being aware of what you are doing wrong, it is easier to fix it and get better. However, you will need patience, since it is only practice and dedication that will help you avoid making mistakes in boxing training.
Mistakes in boxing training you need to avoid ASAP
The following mistakes are inspired on an extensive list of boxing mistakes, published by In Fighting. Here are some common mistakes in boxing:
1.Keep a low shoulder position
Frequently, when someone throws a punch, they leave a space between their shoulder and chin. This leaves the jaw open as a target for a counter-attack. Therefore, whenever you throw a punch, have your shoulder meet your chin.
When you are in a boxing stance, your chin should always be down, and when you punch, it meets your shoulder. This can only happen if your arm is relaxed because if it’s stiff, the shoulder will find it hard to move and meet your jaw.
2.Launch the jab from where it is
A common mistake in boxing training is pulling down the hand before throwing a jab. Many boxers will do this and hint the opponent of what they are about to do. It’s a huge mistake! It will only initiate a counter-attack.
To fix this, work on executing your jab directly and non-telegraphically. Telegraph in boxing means “to make a clear but unintentional physical indication of where, when, and how one is going to throw a punch,” according to The Free Dictionary.
3.Elbow up and out before a jab
Some people will lift their elbow to the side when they throw their jab, making it predictable by your opponent. What you should do is keep your elbow in as you throw your jab. It will also make it harder for your opponent to see and counter-attack.
Lateral movements are easy to see, but it is much harder to perceive if it is linear. This is the main reason why you should try to do linear jabs.
4.Not protecting your face
A jab’s counter-attack primary target is the face because it is the area of your body that is more vulnerable. Therefore, it is wise for you to guard the front of your face at all times.
5.Being unaware
You may have your hands up, but you are still not safe if you are still not aware of what your opponent is doing. Even if you are protecting yourself while the other person is punching you, it will hurt. So, you need to be aware and attentive so that you don’t get hurt.
6.Off-balance
If you launch your jab while off-balance, you will lose power. This can happen if you lean forward and therefore transfer most of your weight onto your lead foot. Also, defending the jab if you are oof balance will be very hard.
7.Rotating hips and shoulders
Many people rotate their hips and shoulders when they throw a jab. This is also a mistake because if you rotate, your opponent will see it and know in advance what you are about to do. And, if you want to throw several jabs in a row, it will be very difficult since you have to counter-rotational force from the turning of your hips and shoulders.
8.Throwing a jab too close
You can throw jabs in a shorter distance, but if you do it as a conventional long-range jab, you can get hurt. When you impact, your wrist and hand will be in an awkward position, which will most likely hurt your wrist.
Remember that the correct way to execute a short jab is by keeping your elbow in and in front of your belly button.
9.Stepping in to throw a jab
You do not need to take a step forward when you are throwing a jab. If you are close enough to hit your opponent, you should just hit him; there is no need to take a step forward.
10.Not dropping your hips if executing a low jab
If you want to execute a low jab, you need to remember to drop your hips. If you don’t, you will land the jab at a downward angle, and the force will not go directly into the opponent’s abdomen.
11.Not protecting your chin when doing a low jab
If you do a low jab, you will be open to a counter-attack from above. To avoid getting hit, put the knuckles of your right hand against your left jawline. You will be able to see anything that comes at you when you throw a low jab.
Have you made any of these mistakes before? And these are only just a few! Would you like us to write about other mistakes boxers usually make when training? Let us know in the comments!
