Thread: ok need a bit of help...

as some of you know i took on the task of teaching my 6 yr old cousin how to box, we already worked on his movements and well somewhat building up his stamina, and well then he started to learn how to throw his jab, he does it fine in a steady position, but now that i'd trying to get him to move and throw the jab, well his placing gets all out of place, he either over steps, or keeps his feet to close, now one of the guys suggested that i tie a rope around his ankles the length of the space that should be between his legs, but i dunno if it'll just confuse him altogether lol, any suggestions?

Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

as some of you know i took on the task of teaching my 6 yr old cousin how to box, we already worked on his movements and well somewhat building up his stamina, and well then he started to learn how to throw his jab, he does it fine in a steady position, but now that i'd trying to get him to move and throw the jab, well his placing gets all out of place, he either over steps, or keeps his feet to close, now one of the guys suggested that i tie a rope around his ankles the length of the space that should be between his legs, but i dunno if it'll just confuse him altogether lol, any suggestions?

With a kid that young, I would try avoiding any intensive physical work. Just work on technique. Get him used to throwing the jab slowly standing in position & work on footwork separately. Once you're satisfied with both, than bring them together. The most important thing with kids that young is to really let them take their time, as the motor movements are still not fully developed. In future, I would recommend posting this stuff in the ask the trainer section because guys like Scrap will be able to advise you far better than those on here. I wouldn't recommend the rope just yet because I suspect it might confuse him. I have coached a few of the younger kids at my gym at times, & it really is all about being VERY patient.

He's six years old... it will come with time. I know when I first started I used to lunge too far. I am not sure if you have somebody his size or if you can do it yourself, but one drill that helped me was the jab drill.

That drill consists of you or whoever else taking a step backwards as he comes forward and catching his jab(assuming your both orthodox) with your right glove. Do this in one direction, then have him catch your jab on the way back. You can do with the cross as well. Its really basic, but it teaches him how to catch the jab and how to move into it. After he gets used to it, just do some "sparring" where he throws one jab, then you or whomever else throws one jab, it will teach him range and timing.

Other things that help with learning the proper movement are combinations, if you have a heavybag, have him do basic drills where he moves into punching range, throws 1,2,1,2 then either dips and moves out or just moves out then comes back in. The reason combinations are good is that you have to have good movement if you are going to throw multiple punches and retain your footwork, and you have to have the footwork if you are going to be able to throw punches in bunches while moving. The key things to look for, and I am sure you know what to look for, but proper body rotation into his punches and making sure he stays balanced. If he over rotates he won't be a fluid puncher/fighter, and if he under rotates he won't get as much speed or power into his punches.

Like I said at the top just remember he is six, boxing is about mastering the basics, just make sure when you are working handpads and the heavybag you are making him move his feet. At that age its up to you as the pad holder or whatever you want to call it, to dictate the range on that handpads, don't be too far away, but far enough that he needs to take the right size of step to get in. Movement is like over rotation, its better to take two steps quickly than one big clumsy step. You know this already I am sure, but I just thought I would share it with you.

Originally Posted by JazMerkin

Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

as some of you know i took on the task of teaching my 6 yr old cousin how to box, we already worked on his movements and well somewhat building up his stamina, and well then he started to learn how to throw his jab, he does it fine in a steady position, but now that i'd trying to get him to move and throw the jab, well his placing gets all out of place, he either over steps, or keeps his feet to close, now one of the guys suggested that i tie a rope around his ankles the length of the space that should be between his legs, but i dunno if it'll just confuse him altogether lol, any suggestions?

With a kid that young, I would try avoiding any intensive physical work. Just work on technique. Get him used to throwing the jab slowly standing in position & work on footwork separately. Once you're satisfied with both, than bring them together. The most important thing with kids that young is to really let them take their time, as the motor movements are still not fully developed. In future, I would recommend posting this stuff in the ask the trainer section because guys like Scrap will be able to advise you far better than those on here. I wouldn't recommend the rope just yet because I suspect it might confuse him. I have coached a few of the younger kids at my gym at times, & it really is all about being VERY patient.

I guess it depends on the athletic ability of the kid. I think you can tie them together as long as you aren't doing intricate movements. Like moving in and out on the heavybad then setting your feet and throwing punches then going back out, then coming back it. You are punching in one spot, but you are learning how to come in.

concentrate on punching and defence. Those the absoloute basics for a kid that age.

Best bit of advice i ever received as a kid was to never go chasing a punch and always make sure your feet are grounded when you throw.

Things like foot and head movement come with time.

Originally Posted by JazMerkin

Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

as some of you know i took on the task of teaching my 6 yr old cousin how to box, we already worked on his movements and well somewhat building up his stamina, and well then he started to learn how to throw his jab, he does it fine in a steady position, but now that i'd trying to get him to move and throw the jab, well his placing gets all out of place, he either over steps, or keeps his feet to close, now one of the guys suggested that i tie a rope around his ankles the length of the space that should be between his legs, but i dunno if it'll just confuse him altogether lol, any suggestions?

With a kid that young, I would try avoiding any intensive physical work. Just work on technique. Get him used to throwing the jab slowly standing in position & work on footwork separately. Once you're satisfied with both, than bring them together. The most important thing with kids that young is to really let them take their time, as the motor movements are still not fully developed. In future, I would recommend posting this stuff in the ask the trainer section because guys like Scrap will be able to advise you far better than those on here. I wouldn't recommend the rope just yet because I suspect it might confuse him. I have coached a few of the younger kids at my gym at times, & it really is all about being VERY patient.

na i'm not making him do heavy workouts, for the fact that he's only six, basically turn everything into a game, and well keep it lighthearted, i mean the last thing i want is for the kid to hate me lol spent bout a month and a half on just his movements, about 3 weeks on his jab alone, he only knows how to throw his jab at this point, like i had said earlier, i'm working on defense before offense, for his age his movements are coming along well and i'm satisfied with them at this point, so i moved forward and decided to start with the jab, he's naturally a lefty, and well i'm a converted southpaw, so naturally IMO it'd be easiest to train him as a southpaw, his jab is good while standing still, but i'm trying to get him to move side to side and be in position to throw his jab, but like i said, his footing gets out of place, might just be cause of his age, but was just wondering if there was a way to correct this at this stage

Get this kid a jump rope.. it strengthen his legs, work on his rythm and stamina. Once he can do it stationary, get him to start drifting sideways/ back and forth. Then you can get him moving in a circular pattern. Once his feet know what to do .. he'll be able to concentrate on his aim. Then you can add some focus mitts and get him to circle and punch.

Some heavy bag work will also work on this as long as you can keep him sticking to circling and jabbing and surpress his urge to start hooking away on it... he is a kid.. Most important advice I can give.. is to make sure he's having fun... Once the fun stops.. so does the training

Originally Posted by J_Undisputed

Get this kid a jump rope.. it strengthen his legs, work on his rythm and stamina. Once he can do it stationary, get him to start drifting sideways/ back and forth. Then you can get him moving in a circular pattern. Once his feet know what to do .. he'll be able to concentrate on his aim. Then you can add some focus mitts and get him to circle and punch.

Some heavy bag work will also work on this as long as you can keep him sticking to circling and jabbing and surpress his urge to start hooking away on it... he is a kid.. Most important advice I can give.. is to make sure he's having fun... Once the fun stops.. so does the training

thanks, yea like i said i'm keeping it light hearted, and more like a game, and well he likes it, he gets excited to go to the gym, and the days that he doesn't want to (which aren't many, he goes 4 days a week) we just do light work outs in the backyard or go swimming which pretty much helps loads on stamina, and again keeps it fun, seeing how he has an obsession with Pirates lol, but yea he only knows how to throw the jab lol i'm keeping him defensive first, and want to slowly bring in each different punch, seeing how i don't wanna confuse the kid, next up will be the straight left