The importance of shadow boxing in Boxing training, at Apollo’s Boxing in Bolton we don’t really emphasise on out boxers shadow boxing in their boxing classes or boxing one to ones. However we do believe shadow boxing is an important part of boxing and we try to get our boxers to shadow box outside of the gym as a supplement to their boxing training provided by us in the boxing classes and boxing one to ones.
The reason we don’t have our boxers shadow boxing during the boxing classes or boxing one to ones is because we like to get our boxers warmed up using partner drills and specific technique drills, obviously nothing too intense just to get the body warmed up. We just feel that although shadow boxing is important it can be done without your boxing coach and we also feel like we can spend your time better warming you up with boxing technique and boxing partner drills.
Shadow boxing itself is a very useful tool for all boxers for lots of reasons and if you want to improve your technique and understanding of boxing. Below we have listed some of the ways Apollo’s Boxing feel that shadow boxing is most useful –
Practise basic techniques – While shadow boxing there is no pressure from anyone to rush or to get your technique right first time, what we mean by this is that in a boxing class or a boxing one to one you might feel under pressure to hit the pads perfect first time or if you are partnered up and working some partner drills if you make a mistake then you could get caught with a shot, however with shadow boxing there is no such pressure and let’s be honest if your getting hit shadow boxing then boxing is not for you 🙂
Warm up for your session – Shadow boxing is a good way to warm up your body and if you are just about to train whether it’s running or lifting weights then this is another good time to get some rounds in shadow boxing!
Visualising and going over scenarios – While shadow boxing you should be going over possible scenarios in your head for example how you would box a pressure fighter or why shots you might be open to if you threw your jab or your left hook. This type of idea is how we like to train at Apollo’s Boxing in Bolton, it’s not just the physical techniques of how to throw shots that is important but how to set them up correctly and just to generally improve your understanding of boxing and not just how to throw combinations on the pads!
As you can see there are lots of reasons that shadow boxing is a good idea and will really benefit your boxing technique, at Apollo’s Boxing even though we don’t get our boxing to shadow box in the boxing classes or the boxing one to ones we do like them to shadow box outside of the gym to get the extra practise in!
If you are shadow boxing please don’t do it in crowded bars or at the bus stop 🙂
If you are interested in learning more about boxing or would like to try our boxing one to ones or boxing classes then contact ASAP to get booked in.