Boxing Classes - It's all about technique NOT power

To often in gyms and boxing classes we see the guy or girl in the corner banging away on the punch bag. Have you ever thought to yourself, they are making a lot of noise and the bag is swinging around like crazy… they must be experienced boxers and know what they are doing?

Well, what about the possibility of the complete opposite. I am not suggesting that this is always the case, but to often we see people going hell for leather on the bag in a boxing class without even considering what is probably the most important factor contributing to a boxers power…..technique. When I see someone moving around the punch bag in one of my boxing classes and moving their body weight from front to back foot (and vice versa) with a fluid ease then I know this is someone that really knows what they are doing.

Rarely do people concentrate on the actual body mechanics used in boxing, many of my clients want to hit the pads and hear that satisfying thud that we all love, but if I ask them to take their power down and concentrate on technique I sometimes get a blank look as if to ask what I mean until I explain the body mechanics and movement patterns that specific punches should follow. I am just like the next man and understand that when the adrenaline kicks in and you are in the zone this can be a difficult task, but if we concentrate on moving our weight from one leg to another via our hips then that satisfying thud on the pads will soon come.

So next time your on your own with the punch bag, in one of the boxing classes or in a pad work session take your power down and concentrate on technique….. it may make the satisfying thud sound that little bit sweeter!