Boxing: The Next Generation

Scrap and Little Liz (so-called because Liz is also the name of the tall lass refereeing) are supposed to be tap sparring—throwing fast, but very light punches to practice technique without the natural tensing up that happens when the punches hurt a lot.  It’s a great training method for relative novices, or even for more advanced boxers practicing new techniques.

These two aren’t wanting to keep things light, and have started winging harder punches at each other, despite constant warnings from Big Liz.  Scrap’s the worse culprit, but Liz certainly doesn’t deserve a halo here.

Liz is finally fed up, and letting them know it…it would take a brave lass not to pay attention in this situation.

Most of the time in the gym is spent on conditioning, working the bags, and controlled sparring—but often, the “controlled” part slips away after a few rounds.  Sometimes, the coach will let things continue that way, but other times, the light and controlled aspect is important.  That’s when we have no hesitation about trying new techniques, and getting familiar with other ways to stop punches, and deliver our own—without getting a short nap, or needing to get bloodstains off of our shirts, if we mess up.  Keeping control of a sparring session is the mark of a good coach…being able to lift both students off the ground at once can substitute for more verbal methods—and likely the two kids will learn that Liz means business.  Little Liz certainly will—but Scrap is a wee bit stubborn…or thick headed, she’s also been called.

This is another pic in the "Essence of Boxing" gallery, showing some of what a coach goes through.