Fitness

• A strong focus in youth boxing is directed on strength and cardiovascular training. Boxing matches are physically grueling events, and without proper fitness a young boxer cannot succeed. Running, calisthenic exercises such as push ups and sit ups, rope jumping, and weight training are typical components of a youth boxing training regimen.
  
  

Defensive Skills

• Learning proper defensive technique is crucial in youth boxing. This includes blocking and parrying punches, along with foot and head movement to evade attacks. Perhaps the most important lesson that a young boxer will be taught is to "protect yourself at all times." This rule commands a boxer to be alert with hands guarding the face to protect against an opponent's attack.
  
  

Offensive Skills

• Youth boxers will begin by learning basic offensive techniques. A basic jab is the primary tool for all boxers and will be learned first. The jab is a straight, quick punch thrown with the boxer's non-dominant hand, primarily used to keep an opponent at bay. More advanced techniques will then be learned including the hook, cross, uppercut, and roundhouse punches.
  
  

Equipment

• Boxing is a contact sport and as such requires protective equipment. Boxing gloves protect a fighter's hands from damage and limit damage to an opponent. A boxing helmet, mouth guard, hand wraps and a jock (for boys) are all essential to ensure a young boxer's safety.
  
  

Warning

• As with all contact sports, boxing can be dangerous for young persons without adult supervision. An experienced coach should be present during any matches or sparring sessions. Training can be conducted with less supervision, but very young boxers should conduct only moderate strength training to avoid injury.