Learn To Box - Ultra White Collar Boxing

Learn To Box

Boxing training is a fantastic way to exercise and get fit. Whether you are training towards a boxing bout, training in a boxing gym with no intention of having a boxing match or training at home, the methods used by boxers are tried and tested and proven to get you in great shape.

At UWCB we have been organizing boxing events since 2009 in over 100 towns and cities across the UK. Over 70,000 participants have completed our 8 weeks of training and have stepped into the ropes at a huge event.

Here are our top tips on how to learn to box:

Basic Boxing Stance

First off you need to know how to stand correctly. A basic boxing stance offers you protection with both hands ready to strike.

  • Front toe & back heel on the centre line. Dominant hand at the back (if you are right-handed, put the right hand at the back).
  • Weight evenly distributed across both legs, knees slightly bent.
  • Feet diagonal, little wider than shoulder-width apart, back heel raised.
  • Elbows down, hands up.
  • Head behind your gloves, chin slightly down, eyes see over the gloves.
  • Relax and breathe!

Footwork

To learn to box you need to know how to move around, there are loads of different ways you can do this but start by getting into your basic boxing stance. To ensure that you keep balanced and that you have a solid stance when moving, you should try to keep your movements stepping rather than jumping around.  If you want to move forward or left, step with your left foot first and then follow with your right. If you want to move backwards or right, step with your right foot first and then follow with your left.

You can set this up as a footwork drill and practice moving by marking boxes on the floor with tape and moving from line to line.

Pivot

As well as moving forwards, backwards and from side to side an important move to know is to pivot. This is a great way to get you to move out of the way quickly but be able to stay close to counter an opponent. When you pivot, you keep your left foot planted and use your right foot to move clockwise. Practice small movements as well as moving at 90-degree angles.

Different types of punches

The key to throwing a jab is to keep your body loose and relaxed and use your arm to execrate your hand forward. Be sure to maintain your stance and balance for better power and mobility. Always make sure whichever hand isn’t throwing the punch is defending your body and/or chin.

The two basic punches to start with are a jab which is thrown with your left hand, and a right cross, which is your strongest punch.

To throw a jab, keep your body still and in a boxing stance, extend your left hand forward and breathe out, rotate your fist so it lands with your palm down. Pull your hand back straight away and return to your boxing stance. Once you have mastered this you can practice shadow boxing and moving around whilst throwing a jab.

The right cross will naturally be your strongest punch because it comes from your dominant hand. To throw a right cross you rotate your hips and upper body, keep your left foot planted to the floor and rotate your right foot about 90 degrees. Land with your palm facing down and then return your hand back to your body into the boxing stance.

Defence

There are many kinds of defensive techniques you may have heard of out there, some fancier than others. The first thing a beginner boxer needs to learn is how to block. Blocking is the easiest way to stay in punching range without getting hurt. Blocking uses your gloves to protect your head or your body.

To block a punch to the head bring your gloves closer to cover your face raise the right glove to block left-handed punches or raise the left glove to block right-handed punches. To block body punches, move your elbows closer in and use your arms to block the punches.

These are all tips you can use to help you get the basics of boxing, but if you’d like to take part in 8 weeks of free boxing training with professional coaches, sign up today.