So I train a lot shadow boxing and heavy-bag for boxing obviously. However it can get laborious and boring. I find myself in a daydream throwing punches and moving about without any commitment or real enjoyment. Any ideas to make both exercises more enjoyable? Any drills, certain workout ideas, or techniques you use when shadow/bag training? Thanks!!
With regards to the heavy bag try throwing combinations with a step inbetween,good for cardio. We imagine we're up against different types of fighters (tall,rusher,swinger etc.) and punch/shadow box according to their style too.
You asked a very important question that can be applied to your whole boxing activity. I kinda had the same experience, training got boring and I quit. Now I am back trying not to do this mistake again. I guess with all these "how to be more efficient" tips from coaches who were nothing special regardless their achievements are rubbish in the long run. Sugar Ray Leonard motto was : "I never really said I wanted to be a world-champion, I always said that I want to be special". All I can advise you - study the best or talents from tapes, who they trained, how much fun they had in comparison to average guys.
If you're getting bored it's most likely because you're repeating the same **** over and over and switching off.
I'm sure people can suggest different things. One of my ideas is maybe to switch stance. (orthodox-->southpaw or vice versa). Go Orthodox for one interval, then go southpaw the next and keep switching. Then actually try these out in sparring once you get over the initial awkwardness. Otherwise, watch videos and practice different punches, defense, angles, footwork, combos that you normally don't use. I understand, most of us get into a mindless rythm every once in a while. Myself included. Most importantly, always visualize yourself with an actual fighter - either one of your sparring partners, or just a type (i.e. brawler, southpaw, tall outside fighter etc..) and practice things that can help you exploit their style. Good luck, hope you can manage to keep it fun.
You have to imagine you have an opponent in front of you doing certain things. Maybe he;s running and you have to cut him off without getting too close where he can tie you up. Maybe it's a serious left hooker who finishes each combo with a hook so you have to slip and block his shots while getting into position to counter either with your right or your left. There's so much **** you can do while shadow boxing but the KEY, is to VISUALIZE what is happening to you so it can be translated directly to when you get in a ring. The worst thing you can do is shadowbox in front of a mirror. The disconnect between watching yourself and reacting to an opponent is huge. It's terribly inefficient.
You should love working out, trying to get better everyday. If you really cant get into shadow boxing and hitting the bag, then pick another sport where you can have fun.
give your self an option, either burn your self repetedly, or hit the bag and shadow box. you will be refreshed choosing the latter.
Mike Tyson even said it gets very repetitive but thats what you got to do to be great at something... IF it was meant to be easy we'd all be world champions.
You have to try to get creative but that is the problem all boxers face it is why some guys like buster douglas go from being great to garbage, training is boring after a certain amount of time.
Its up to the coach, To make it interesting and varied. Changing the ways of accomplishing, what youre trying to achieve.
Keep your sessions short and sweet. You will gain more from doing one round of quality practice than 10 rounds of going through the motions. Set a goal for the session and work on it to the best of your ability. End the session before you get bored and technique goes out of the window.
correct its the coach that should be creative for the interest of the boxers... her's a couple of examples i do shadow boxing 2min round = 30sec box away ,,,30sec jab straight right step back straight right left hook, then the same for the second minute i will always explain why there doing the combination while there doing it,,your against a pressure boxer step back he could walk onto the straight right left hook (offence ,defence,offence)Heavy bag = double arm block push the bag forward then punch 6 straight shots then catch double arm block 30 sec then 30 sec box away then the same drill for the second min I'm a big believer in every thing you do in boxing as to be controlled & for a reason
