Expert: Alan Kahn - 1/28/2004

Question
Hi Alan

I was wondering if you could share some punch combinations using focus pads. (hook and jab)

For example:Double left jab/right cross/left hook/right uppercut.

Myself and a friend have been asked by our community if we would help train some teenagers in the art of boxing.
We both have boxed but only at amatuer level and its been 15 years since any of us has been in a boxing ring.
I have just finished and recieved a level one coaching badge which covered basic first aid and amatuer boxing rules which is fully endorsed by the WABA (Welsh Amatuer Boxing Association - UK) so you can appreciate that I am taking this opportunity very seriously.

I know the basic punches (hooks/crosses/jabs etc) but I want to be abale to coach my pupils and not pass on any bad techniques which is why I have written to your good self.

Any tips you could share will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Karl

Sounds like you guys got your hands full and congratulations on receiving your level one coaching badge! Quality instructors are hard to find and it's great that you are giving of yourself to help others.

You asked: "I was wondering if you could share some punch combinations using focus pads. (hook and jab)"

It sounds to me like you already know some combinations. To make more practice variations, simply write down different variations of these four punches punches, such as: Left Jab, Left Hook, right uppercut, left hook, Right Hook.

Now I am not a punch mitt expert, but I have watched a lot of it, and used them in Martial arts. I know that there are several things at work.

First, this is a team effort between the holder and the figher.  Both must learn the punch and mitt sequence, so the mitt is in the right position for the direction of the entering fist. If not, a vicious uppercut could hurt the mitt hand if the mitt was in a hook punch position. Likewise a Hard Hook could hurt the hand of a mitt in the uppercut position.  So mitt man and fighter must work together.

Second, for Beginners, start with simple two or three punch sequences. Once they learn the punches, begin empasizing basic footwork, moving forward and back, then side to side. Nobody throws standing still, but each skill - punching and moving - must be isolated.

Third, for the more advanced, extend punch sequences to 4,5,6, and throw in some free style ( mitt up, fighter must recognize and throw correct punch. this give him a split second to recognize the mitt ( or the opening ) and fire quickly by reaction, not pre-determined order. This will be very frustrating for a beginner, and he will lose confidence in his inability to recognize and chose the correct punch.
Also for advanced, use circling footwork. Crowd him more, move toward him agressively. Make him stick and move to a swarming attack, (but keep the mitt sequence the same, or the mitt man could get hit)

The Key for YOU would be knowing the skill level of the fighters, and increasing you skill with the mitt.  Also, it would be helpful to have your helper coach watch the mitt drill to notice boxer mistakes, for the man on the mitts has the work view for certain problems.  

Lastly, here are a few links that you may find useful

Mitt Drills video
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=JBVDVD%204&variation=&aitem=23...

more mitt drills
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=WHL&variation=&aitem=64&mitem=...

John Browns instruction set ( john brown is the OWNER of ringside boxing company!)

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=JBVDVD%20S&variation=&aitem=37...

Kenny Weldon training set ( bottom of page)
Kenny Weldon is considered a master training in USA amatuer fighting, and is very well respected.  Also a great guy.

http://www.ringside.com/store/products.asp?dept=2&pagenumber=10


Boxing instruction video #1.
http://www.ekickboxing.com/videos.htm

training drill
http://dharma.home.mindspring.com/types_of_practice.html

I hope this helps you out and best of luck in your training efforts.  thanks for the opportunity to help and don't hesitate to ask again if you think I can help.  

( ps..  drop me your name and mailing address via email

speedbag@hot.rr.com   and I will send you a complimentary Book and video "Speed Bag Bible" set for speed bag help)

sincerely,


Alan Kahn
speedbag@hot.rr.com
author, The Speed Bag Bible