need some advice.

[dave0]

I am very new to this and I'm not looking to become a pro boxer/fighter or anything, I just spar with friends b/c it's fun! I come to you guys very humble and looking for advice b/c I respect you all on here and anyone that would step into a ring, may God bless and keep you all safe.

I have a few questions to ask:

1. When you are throwing a fast combination of punches is it good to concentrate on returning your arm to the guard postion after each punch or do you just make sure you bring it back to your body and not let it hang out while punching with the other hand.

2. What are some good drills or excercises to increase punching speed?

3. What are some good drills to practice bobbing and weaving?

4. And lastly what are some good drills to better your footwork?

Thanks in advance!!

[jped1981]

I am no champion, or expert, but I believe I was taught to return my hands back to their respective guard positions in case of a counter even when throwing combos.

To train for speed, I think nothing works better than the punch mitts with a trainer, theyll tell you what your doing wrong and if your getting sloppy. Also a good way to develop good habits rather than bad ones. (ie chin down.)another good way is to shadowbox in front of a mirror, so you can see yourself and how well you are protected before during and after throwing a punch.

Bobbing and weaving is tricky, and hard to develop, buit there are training methods, there is this bag, (I forgot the name of it,) but it looks like a deflated speed bag, and is heavy, it hangs on a string, and you start out by pushing it forwad and practice bobbing and weaving as it swings back and forth, remember not to lean forward and bend with your knees, and keep hands at your cheeks. Also a good way to practice slipping punches, throw counter punches and shadow box with the bag. You can also get the tried and true rope method, tie a rope from one corner of a room to another about chin height, bob weave and throw combos. Always remeber bend at the knees weight forward. hands up chin down.

For footwork, remeber your basics, stay on toes, and move the foot in the direction you want to go to first. TO step forward, move front foot first etc. Remember never to cross your legs and just move around the ring.

I must emphasize to do this all under the supervision of a trainer!!!!! People all the time think boxing is throwing fists in the air and fail to realize the art in it. Have fun, and ask a trainer for further info.

[dave0]

Thanks for the help!