Q&A for How to Train for Boxing

You really don't want to rush into sparring. It's super important that you develop good fundamentals by working with a solid coach before you start sparring. You need good control, good balance, and strong mechanics to be safe in the ring, so just don't try to rush it,. It could be a few weeks, or it may be six months. Your coach or trainer will let you know when you're ready.

You should encourage your son to train some more. It's enough, but if he wants to become a lot better and compete, he's going to have to train longer.

Yes, but you have to work very hard.

Your local gym may have a boxer or two that can point you in the right direction. Or the managerial staff may know of someone. Don't be afraid to ask.

You could train at home. Just shadow boxing, hand weights and running daily will begin your development until you can find a trainer and/or club.

Press-ups, heavy bag, roadwork and shadowboxing on a regular basis should be enough.

Practice moving from foot to foot, recognizing your step patterns. Do you move on your toes? Are you more dependent on one foot? Do drills that build strength, such as ladder workouts, and consider yoga to improve balance. Work both feet evenly, and learn your limits. Most importantly, stretch before each session.

Place one foot forward and bend your knees a bit, and stay light on your toes.

Go train for real. An animated picture won't give you the muscle memory required. Sitting in front of a computer will not make you a better boxer.

Use the hand-eye coordination you've developed as a driver as part of your strategy.

Absolutely, people of any age can take up boxing.

Yes! You do not need to be a specific age to start boxing. As long as you are healthy and physically and mentally prepared, go for it.

Yes.

Yes, running is great exercise and good cardio training for boxing.

Go to a local boxing gym and show the coach you're ready and ask her to sign you up for a tournament.

Of course it is! Just make sure you have all of the proper protective gear.

You can buy bags and gloves and hand wraps off the internet. If you have a friend willing to help, they can help you spar.

Tell your parents or go to the police. A man fighting a child is child abuse.

You can start mentioning things that have to do with boxing -- just in normal conversations -- and if he gets the hint, you can explain you would like to get into boxing.

Do this workout. It will train your body to be stronger and improve endurance.

Yes, you can. You could also use something like a pillow as a punching bag.

Training before you actually start boxing helps condition your body. Then, once you start boxing, you'll use muscles that you probably haven't used before, so by doing this you'll get stronger and fit.

Only lifting heavy weights regularly and focusing too much on gaining muscle mass can affect your height. Body weight exercises and calisthenics will not affect your height.

There is no specific age. It all has to do with your talent, health and physical ability.

Try technical sparing! Have your opponent throw a jab at half speed. Then, practice slipping or blocking it, which should be easier because you know the punch is coming. Then, work up to bigger combos.

Do you have a trainer? If you do, the trainer should be able to spot your flaws in order to correct them for your next bout. If you don't, have someone tape your sessions so that you can show it to a more experienced boxer to help identify and correct weak spots.

It may be a little bit to late to go into the professional world of boxing, as most professional boxers start from a very young age, but you can most definitely join a boxing gym and do some heavy sparring.

Sparring is great practice to learn how to box. If you are too scared to get hit in practice, when you are boxing to compete it will be no different. Getting hit and taking punches is a part of the sport, and you have to be prepared to take as many punches as you can throw.

Of course. Just train a lot and work out. You will lose weight and gain muscle by doing this.

Focus on getting yourself into shape. Maybe start with light jogs and then work your way into working on the heavy bag and speed bag. And always shadowbox and envision your opponent.