| If you want to start boxing, you may be | | | | wind and getting the heart back to |
| wondering where to start your training. | | | | normal rhythm and beat. Figuring out |
| Following are some tips to help you get | | | | which punches worked best, which ones |
| started. | | | | did not work and the reasons for their |
| Proper equipment is a "must" in any | | | | failure. |
| boxing program. A capable, qualified | | | | Sixth Round Punching the light punching |
| coach would not send a boy on the | | | | bag. Excellent for sharpening the eyes, |
| football field without proper shoulder | | | | learning to keep the hands high and |
| pads or headgear. Yet, I have seen high | | | | becoming adept at punching fast. |
| school boxers use worn out gloves and a | | | | Seventh Round More punching on the light |
| makeshift mat with no canvas cover and I | | | | punching bag or on the heavy sand bag. |
| have known of boys who have not been | | | | Finish up with light body exercise and |
| provided with aluminum cups. This should | | | | dash right into the showers. |
| not be tolerated under any | | | | It may be seen from the preceding that I |
| circumstances. | | | | am an advocate of a short, fast workout |
| Proper mouthpieces, well padded headgear | | | | instead of a long, dragged out one. I |
| and hand wraps should be available for | | | | have always believed that a boy gets |
| all contestants in a boxing program. It | | | | into better condition for a short three |
| is advisable to have high topped boxing | | | | round bout by short, snappy workouts of |
| shoes, but where money is a factor, | | | | six to seven rounds. The boys, |
| light weight basketball shoes will | | | | furthermore, enjoy the shorter workouts |
| suffice. | | | | and will work harder than if the |
| All equipment should be properly | | | | workouts are prolonged and become |
| maintained, both for the safety of the | | | | monotonous. There must be no loafing |
| boxer and it will save money in the long | | | | from bell to bell. Maintain top speed |
| run as well. | | | | all the way. |
| In regards to the ring itself, make | | | | The proper On guard position is |
| shift facilities are to be carefully | | | | fundamental. I wish to stress in detail |
| avoided. A well padded ring enclosed | | | | the all important stance or what we will |
| properly by ropes is an absolute | | | | call the "on guard" position. |
| essential. Never permit the athletes to | | | | All punches are thrown from the on guard |
| box where there is a chance of falling | | | | position. The boxer must assume the on |
| to a hard floor or against objects that | | | | guard position again at the finish of |
| might injure them. | | | | each punch with all possible rapidity. |
| Of course, good training starts with a | | | | This procedure is necessary for proper |
| proper workout. While what constitutes a | | | | deception. Thus the stance must be |
| proper workout has been widely | | | | mastered at the beginning. With all |
| contested, there are some basics that | | | | punches starting from the same stance, |
| almost everybody can agree on. | | | | naturally, an opponent has difficulty |
| A typical workout, once the boy is in | | | | guessing whether the punch will be a |
| good physical condition and his legs are | | | | left jab to the head or body, a left |
| in shape, would be the following: | | | | hook to the head or body, a double left |
| First Round Shadow boxing. Loosening up. | | | | hook to the body and head or a jab |
| Warming the muscles. Trying all the | | | | followed by a hook. If the boxer changes |
| punches. | | | | his stance or arm positions each time he |
| Second, Third and Fourth Rounds Boxing, | | | | throws a different punch, his opponent |
| working hard and fast during the rounds. | | | | will soon catch on and meet him with a |
| Complete relaxation between rounds. | | | | counter. |
| Fifth Round Shadow boxing. Catching the | | | | |