Boxing Training for Children

As a fun, competitive entry into exercise, boxing can can be a great way to get kids interested in physical activity. Though there are certain necessary limitations in the scope of boxing training for kids, most of the activities are healthy and safe.

  1. Safety Equipment

    • As with any level of boxing training, safety equipment is a must. The equipment necessary for training is the same for all ages, but equipment size will vary based on age and size of the children training. Hand wraps are necessary to protect the hands of the children. Sparring gloves are needed to help protect the hands during sparring and heavy bag work. Headgear should be used for all sparring and competition purposes with children. A mouthpiece guards the soft tissue of the mouth from the sharp edges of the teeth as well as protecting the jaw by locking it into place. A protective cup and jock strap should be used for genital protection by all male children.

    Training Equipment

    • Like the safety equipment, the training equipment needed is the same across all ages, but child-appropriate sizes are needed. The jump rope is used to build fitness and improve footwork and agility. The heavy bag is important to teach punching technique for beginners and punching combinations for more advanced children. The speed bag is helpful in building hand-eye coordination in young boxers. The mirror is needed to help with shadow boxing.

    Shadow Boxing

    • With its low impact nature, shadow boxing is important in the training of a child. Shadow boxing is the practice and evaluation of boxing movements done in front of a mirror. Shadow boxing is a way to practice the skills of boxing without the danger and physical contact of sparring.

    Bag Training

    • All kids should begin their boxing training with bag work. The heavy bag is useful in conditioning and fitness building as well as teaching the kids the proper placement of punches on the body. The speed bag is difficult for kids to master because it requires a high level of coordination that most kids are still developing, but it can help them expedite the process.

    Running and Jumping Rope

    • Running builds an overall level of cardiovascular fitness. Kids should be metered in their running and held to no more than a mile or two at a pace that is not too strenuous. Their bodies are still forming, so extreme exertion should be avoided. Jumping rope can help build on the fitness gained in running and can be a fun aspect of training for kids.

    Sparring

    • Sparring is exhibition boxing bouts used to train movements and technique but not determine a winner. Though sparring is the most effective manner of training boxing, because the minds and bodies of children are still developing, it is best to to be used sparingly or not at all for kids. Sparring sessions, if held at all, should be closely monitored and have strict rules about punching power.