Here I will be discussing proven tactics used when sparring or competing against a southpaw boxer. This is a frequent question I get asked at Boxrite. Below are pointers that are not only applicable for boxing but combat sports in general when against a left handed opponent.
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The left or lead hook is an effective punch every fighter should master, a well-timed hook can have a devastating effect on an opponent. The hook travels a short distance from the start point to the target, making it difficult to defend against. The power is generated from the hip rotating in the direction of the hook transferring the bodyweight from the lead to rear foot. In this blog I will refer to this punch as lead hook because Southpaw stance boxers lead with the right hand.
It takes many hours of training in the gym in developing the hook, initially focus mitt training with the coach to learn correct technique and body mechanics, then undertaking set partner drills including defences against a hook. Punching bag training improves timing and gauging range as the bag sways in different directions, the boxer will use correct footwork to manoeuvre into position and strike the bag with either single lead hooks or combination punches that include the lead hook.
Read More:5_Tips_to_Improve___Strengthen_Left_Hook_-_FIGHTMAG
The floor to ceiling ball, also known as the double-end bag, is an air-filled ball suspended by elastic cords from the floor and ceiling. Varying in shape and size depending on the boxer’s intended training objectives:
The tension of the cords effect the movement speed after being struck, if the cord tension is tight the ball will be rebound faster than the cord being slack making the ball move slower.
Read More: 7_Benefits_of_Floor_to_Ceiling_Ball_Training_in_Boxing_-_FIGHTMAG
Sparring is important in the preparation for a competitive boxer in gaining confidence to apply technical and tactical skills in a controlled, supervised environment.
Prior to a session many rounds would have been spent on focus mitts training with the coach, developing offensive and defensive skills. It is practical in bringing a sense of realism to training, and assess the boxer’s ability to perform set offensive and defensive tasks under pressure, and identify any problem areas that need correcting.
There are 3 types of sparring:
1. Technical
2. Conditional
3. Open (Full Contact)
The type is determined by the coach, depending on the training program phase and ability of the boxer. Use a mouthguard (gum shield) and wear heavier well-padded gloves up to 16oz in weight. Headgear is worn when undertaking conditional sparring, in order to get used to the bulky, tight fitting and restrictive feel of the equipment.
Technical sparring are pre-set partner drills supervised by the coach, training objective is developing technique and improving reaction time not endurance or punching power.
For example: The first boxer will commence the drill with a jab, the second boxer will defend and counter jab. This training will perfect technique without pressure and develop the boxer in reading an oncoming punch without panicking.
Read More: 3_Types_of_boxing_sparring_for_developing_fighters_-_FIGHTMAG
A boxer’s individual style has evolved from technical skills continually practiced in the gym along with physical and psychological attributes. Physical attributes include height, build and reach and psychological can be aggressive or defensive in nature when competing. Commonly encountered…
Read More: 6_Common_Styles_of_Boxers_-_FIGHTMAG
Skipping rope training is beneficial for a boxer’s fitness level along with improving body mechanics and coordination. Noticeable short term benefits include cardio respiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance.
Include skipping rope training to a boxing workout for developing vital skills required for sparring and competition such as:
Read More: 8_Benefits_of_Skipping_rope_training_routine_in_boxing_-_FIGHTMAG
This article continues on how the scoring criteria is applied when judging a boxing bout
Prior to commencement of a boxing bout each judge has to complete the details on the scorecards i.e. boxers names in respective corner, judge’s name and numbering the correct amount of prescribed rounds allocated for the bout, one sheet per round.
After the completion of each round the referee will collect the scorecards from all three judges and hand to the Commission representative to record scores on the tally sheet.
On completion of the final round the referee collects the scorecards and hands to the Commission representative for completion of the tally sheet to determine the result, the final scores will be given to the ring announcer to read out the final scores from each judge to declare the winner.
Read More: How_to_Score_a_Professional_Boxing_Round_-_Part_2_-_FIGHTMAG
An effective counterpuncher relies on defensive skills and reflex acquired from rounds of focus mitt and partner drills becoming instinctive, practising various defensive skills against a punch. These skills include blocking, parry, slip and ducking to name a few, along with recognising specific idiosyncratic signs an opponent would display when about to commit with a punch, the most common traits being the elbow lifting or shoulder flinch prior to punching.
It is also important to maintain appropriate range (distance) from an opponent to be to anticipate and react to a punch and successfully score with your own counterpunch:
Read More: The_Art_of_Counterpunch,_Boxrite_boxing_training_-_FIGHTMAG
