Boxing coordination exercise: develop your speed

Importance of coordination in boxing

We'll be looking at shadow boxing, punching bag work and the use of dummies. You'll also learn proprioception techniques for greater stability.

There coordination is one of the most crucial aspects of combat sports. It enables you to link movements with precision And fluidity, which is essential for optimal performance. Without good coordination, your shots may lack precision, your dodges can be slow, and your travel can become messy.

In English boxing, every part of the body must work in harmony. Arms, legs and trunk must synchronise perfectly to execute effective combinations. This isn't done simply by brute strength; that's where coordination comes in.

What's more, improved coordination considerably reduces the risk of injury. When you are able to control your movements precisely, you can avoid false moves that could lead to sprains, muscle strains or other injuries. So by working on your coordination, you're not only becoming a better boxer, you're also looking after your health and safety.

Coordination is therefore the key to becoming not only more effective in the ring, but also to ensuring a long and injury-free career. You'll see that the effort you put into improving your coordination will pay off, whether it's in the speed of your sequences, the precision of your punches or the fluidity of your movements.

Shadow boxing exercises

THE shadow boxing is a fundamental exercise for any boxer wishing to improve their coordination. It consists of simulating boxing movements without an opponent or equipment. This exercise allows you to work on the coordination of your arms, legs and movements in a fluid and controlled manner.

Simulate boxing moves without an opponent or equipment

The principle of shadow boxing is simple: you imagine yourself facing an opponent and reproduce the movements of boxing. You can practise throwing punches, dodging, blocking and moving around your imaginary opponent. The absence of equipment means you can concentrate fully on your technique and the precision of your movements.

Allows you to work on the coordination of arms, legs and movements

In shadow boxing, every movement counts. Your arms should throw quick, precise punches, while your legs allow you to move with agility. This exercise helps you synchronize your movements, improving your overall coordination. You can also integrate specific sequences to work on combinations of shots and movements.

Visualize an imaginary opponent for more realism

To get the most out of shadow boxing, it's essential to visualise an imaginary opponent. This visualisation makes the exercise more realistic and engaging. Imagine your opponent's reactions and adapt your movements accordingly. Not only does this technique improve your coordination, it also prepares you mentally for real fights.

Shadow boxing is a versatile tool that can be practised anywhere and at any time. It is particularly useful for perfecting techniques, improving speed of movement and developing impeccable coordination. By making shadow boxing a regular part of your training routine, you'll improve your fluidity and precision, bringing you closer to excellence in the ring.

Work on a punching bag

THE punching bag work is an essential element to improve your coordination in boxing. By using different types of bags, you can perfect your sequences, your precision and your hand-eye coordination.

Different types of bags 

There are several types of punching bags, each with their advantages. THE heavy bag is ideal for developing power and the stability of your blows. THE double end bag, more light And mobile, is perfect for working on speed and the precision. THE stand bags are versatile and can be moved easily, making it possible to work on mobility and the angles of attack. Choose the bag that best suits your needs for a complete workout.

Stroke sequences for hand-eye coordination

Working on a punching bag allows you to practice varied punch sequences, which improves hand-eye coordination. Start with simple combinations, like a jab followed by crossThen progress to more complex sequences. By repeating these movements, your eyes will get used to following your hands and feet, increasing the accuracy of your shots.

Precision drills by aiming at targets on the bag

To refine your accuracy, use specific targets on the punching bag. You can mark areas with tape or use bags with built-in targets. Concentrate on hitting these targets with different shots, such as jabs, hooks and uppercuts. This exercise not only develops your accuracy, but also your ability to vary the angles and distances at which you strike.

Bag work is an excellent way to improve coordination in boxing. By varying the types of bags and exercises you can develop exceptional hand-eye coordination, increased accuracy and fluid sequences. Incorporating punching bag work into your training routine will help you become a more effective and confident boxer.

Drills with a punching dummy

Exercises with a punching dummy are an advanced step towards improving your boxing coordination. More realistic than a punching bag, the dummy allows you to visualise an opponent and work on angles of attack and striking distance with precision.

More realistic than a bag for visualising an opponent

The hitting dummy, often designed in the image of a human opponent, offers a more realistic training experience. By hitting a dummy, you can better visualise the areas of contact and adjust your shots to suit your opponent. shape and some position of your 'opponent'. This makes training more immersive and relevant to real combat situations.

Working on angles of attack and striking distance

With a punching dummy, you can experiment with different angles of attack. Practice punches and kicks as you move around the dummy, varying the distances. This exercise improves your ability to attack effectively from different angles, and to adjust your distance depending on your opponent's position.

Combine punches and kicks for overall coordination

One of the main advantages of a punching dummy is the ability to combine punches and kicks in your routines. By integrating whole-body movements, you develop overall coordination. For example, you can link a jab, a hook and finish with a front kick. These combinations work the synchronization between your arms and legs, strengthening your agility and your fluidity.

By using a punching dummy, you add a realistic dimension to your training. This allows you to perfect your techniques, work on your angles and distances, and develop impressive overall coordination. Incorporate these exercises into your routine regularly to maximize your boxing skills and prepare you for real-life combat situations.

Proprioception exercises

Proprioception exercises are essential for improving coordination and stability in boxing. They develop awareness of body position and movements, crucial for optimal performance.

Awareness of body position and movements

Proprioception is the ability to to feel there position and the movements of your body in space. In boxing, this skill is vital for maintaining balance, react quickly and execute precise movements. Proprioception exercises strengthen this body awareness, helping you better control your actions during a fight.

Balance

To improve your proprioception, include balance exercises into your routine. For example, try standing on one foot for a few seconds, then change feet. Use unstable surfaces such as balance cushions or proprioception boards to increase the difficulty. You can also add light loads, such as ankle weights or dumbbells, to intensify the exercise. These exercises strengthen your stabilising muscles and improve your balance.

Improves stability and coordination

Proprioception exercises are not limited to balance. Include dynamic movements such as side jumps, single leg squats, or swinging movements with the arms and legs. These exercises engage your entire body, increasing stability and coordination. By developing these skills, you become more agile and able to react quickly to your opponent's movements.

Light sparring

THE sparring light is an excellent way of testing and improving your proprioception in a real situation. By training with a partner, you learn to adapt your coordination to your opponent's reactions. Concentrate on the control of yours movements and the mastery of the strength of your blows. Set specific goals for each sparring session to target specific aspects of your coordination that you want to improve.

By incorporating proprioception exercises into your training programme, you'll develop better body awareness, increased stability and improved coordination. These skills will make you more efficient and responsive in the ring, reducing the risk of injury and increasing your overall performance.

Additional exercises

Complementary exercises play a crucial role in improving coordination in boxing. They allow you to diversify your training and target specific aspects of your performance.

Jump rope for foot-eye coordination

Skipping rope is an essential exercise for boxers. It improves foot-eye coordination by synchronising the movements of your feet with the swing of the rope. By jumping at a steady pace, you develop your rhythm, agility and endurance. Vary the jumps by including double jumps, crosses and lateral movements to make the exercise more dynamic and stimulating.

Circuit training

Circuit training is an excellent way of incorporating a variety of coordination exercises. Create a circuit with stations such as skipping rope, shadow boxing, balance exercises and punching bags. Alternate exercises with little rest between each station to maintain a high intensity. This will work on different aspects of coordination and improve your overall fitness.

Mobility and stretching work

Mobility and flexibility are essential for smooth, coordinated movements. Incorporate mobility exercises and stretching into your routine. For example, dynamic stretching before training and static stretching after training can help maintain and improve your range of movement. Mobility of the shoulders, hips and ankles is particularly important in boxing for powerful and precise movements.

Functional training

Functional exercises, such as body movements kettlebell, THE burpees and the mountain climbers, imitate real body movements and reinforce THE stabilizing muscles. These exercises improve coordination by using several muscle groups simultaneously. They also develop strength, endurance and agility, which is beneficial to your overall boxing performance.

By incorporating these complementary exercises into your training programme, you enrich your routine and target various aspects of coordination. These exercises will help you become a more complete boxer, capable of fluid, precise and efficient movements. Adopt a varied and balanced approach to maximise your progress and achieve your boxing goals.

Integrate these exercises into a program

To maximise the benefits of your training, it's essential to integrate these coordination exercises into a structured programme. Effective planning allows you to work on all aspects of coordination in a balanced way.

Plan your sessions according to the objectives

Start by defining your specific objectives. Do you want to improve your precision, speed or overall coordination? Based on these objectives, plan your training sessions. For example, you could devote some sessions to shadow boxing exercises to work on fluidity of movement, and others to proprioception exercises to improve stability.

Vary the exercises to work all aspects

It's crucial to vary the exercises to avoid monotony and to use different muscle groups and skills. Alternate between punching bag work, dummy punching, skipping rope and proprioception exercises. For example, you could structure your training week as follows:

• Monday: Shadow boxing and proprioception exercises
• Wednesday: Work on punching bag and skipping rope
• Friday: Punching Dummy and Circuit Training

Respect recovery times

Recovery is an essential part of any training programme. It allows your muscles to repair and strengthen. Plan rest days or light training sessions to avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injury. For example, after an intense session of punching bag work, allow yourself a day of active recovery with stretching and mobility exercises.

By integrating these exercises into a well-structured program, you can progress consistently and effectively. Planning, variety and respecting recovery times are the keys to improving your boxing coordination and achieving your performance goals. Stay disciplined, follow your program and adapt it according to your progress and your specific needs.

Conclusion

Coordination in boxing is crucial if you are to link up movements with precision and fluidity. Exercises such as shadow boxing, punching bag work and the use of punching dummies improve these skills. Also incorporate proprioception exercises to improve stability and overall coordination.

Plan your sessions according to your objectives, vary the exercises and respect recovery times. These methods will help you develop exceptional coordination, essential for optimal performance and injury prevention.

Try boxing at the Circle

Do you want to boost your sports training? Join our 50-minute sessions at the Circle. We combine the power of boxing with targeted fitness exercises, all in a warm atmosphere, with unique light shows and a motivating playlist.

Our sessions, accessible to all, use water bags instead of traditional opponents.

Each program includes 10 rounds alternating bootcamp and boxing. Strengthen your abs, legs, glutes and upper body with dumbbells, while perfecting your combinations and dodges for intense cardio.

Improve your endurance with our energetic coaches in an electrifying atmosphere. Put on your gloves and join us in Montmartre, Beaubourg or Bastille for an unforgettable sporting experience! 🔥