Avoid These: 5 Biggest Mistakes In Boxing To Avoid

Boxing is an extremely demanding sport, both physically and mentally. Every punch, every slip and every movement matters. However, even the very best fall victim to some common mistakes in the ring. Whether you're a seasonal professional or just starting your boxing journey, you should avoid these common mistakes. 

1. Ignoring defense

It's very easy to go straight to your offence in boxing. You want to get the finish and you want to push the pace. It is fun to go after your power punches and it's tempting to go out blazing. However, forgetting to protect yourself can be disastrous. Getting countered is very common in boxing and if you go for wild swings, it can be a harsh reality. Always keep your guard up, be cautious, practice slipping and proper head movement. Remember, you don't always have to engage first, you can make reads and pick your shots. 

2. Telegraphing 

If you're telegraphing your punches, you're basically telling your opponent what your next move is going to be. It gives them time to anticipate your moves and counter. Avoid winding up on your punches and showing what you will throw. Try to throw them more like a piston and instead work on the feints. Be relaxed and more fluid with your attacks and keep them guessing. The best game plan is one that your opponent can't read.

3. Lazy Footwork 

Your footwork is your foundation in boxing. The very best boxers have incredible footwork, with many of them having ballet backgrounds. However, it is common to ignore footwork and only focus on punches. Poor footwork can lead to unstable balance, an inability to evade punches and losing power on your strikes. You should embed footwork into your training, and learn your way around a ring. Being light on your feet can be the difference between winning and losing. Mastering this can improve your ability, timing and positioning in a fight. 

4. Overcommitting On Strikes 

Throwing big overhands and massive uppercuts can be powerful, but if you miss, you're in a dangerous position. You should avoid lunging forward or over-extending and leaving yourself open. If you throw looping punches, you may find yourself off-balance and exposed to being caught. Instead, focus on refining your jab, keep it snappy and control your strikes. Even if you miss with a straight jab, you'll have time to cover over and avoid a counter. It's not all about power, it's about precision and timing. Throwing wild punches can only get you so far, not only is it risky, it's also draining. 

5. Inability To Adapt 

Boxing is one of those sports that requires quick thinking on your feet. You have to make reads and adjust your style and plan accordingly on the fly. Failing to adapt to your opponent's tactics, style or speed inside the ring can lead to defeat. Time after time you see boxers failing to change up their game in between rounds, which leads to them being picked apart. Whether you're changing up your combinations, tightening up your defense or even switching stances, the ability to adapt in the ring is crucial in the sport of boxing. Use the first round as a feel-out, get to know your range and study your opponent's movement and strikes. If you keep them guessing, it allows you to find your openings. 

It can be easy to make mistakes in boxing. When you're in the ring, you can get excited and fall victim to these errors. No opponent is the same, everyone is unique. Some fighters have crazy power, others have lightning speed and some have tricky footwork. If you can excel in the fundamentals, avoid making careless mistakes and work on adapting on the fly, you'll become a more well-rounded fighter. 

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