5 Common Mistakes Amateur Boxers Make That You Should Avoid!

If you’re new to boxing and eager to get in the ring, hold your horses! It’s easy for amateur boxers to make mistakes that could lead to injury or hinder your progress. Follow these tips to avoid 5 common mistakes beginner boxers make.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Boxing Gloves

Quality boxing gloves are one of the most important pieces of equipment for an amateur boxer. Choosing the wrong type or weight can negatively impact your training. As a beginner, you’ll want 12oz or 14oz gloves that provide padding and protection. Avoid cheap options - invest in durable leather gloves. Leather boxing gloves offer lasting durability and are the preferred choice for athletes of all skill levels. The extra padding and protection they provide make them ideal for training and competitions. Look for gloves that are 12oz or 14oz to get the most out of your boxing sessions..

You'll require two pairs of gloves, one for sparring and one for heavy bags. Sparring gloves are designed with extra padding to reduce the chances of your partner getting injured. Bag gloves have reduced padding in the knuckles, allowing you to increase your punching power. Consult with your coach prior to purchasing boxing gloves from online or physical stores, such as Mani Sports Australia. Ensure you have the right gloves for your weight class and level of skill. Prioritize safety and comfort with gloves made from premium materials, providing optimal protection and a snug aesthetic fit. Mani Sports Australia has the tools to ensure you have the right gloves; all you have to do is get ready to spar.

Mistake #2: Poor Wrapping Technique

Correctly wrapping your hands is essential in order to avoid wrist and knuckle injuries. However, numerous novice boxers take the task of wrapping too lightly, leading to loose and careless technique. Do not treat it the same as you would with other sports - wrapping for boxing is a skill and should be done with accuracy. Ensure that you:

• Ensure your boxing hand wraps are 120-180 inches long, made of stretchy cotton.
• Wrap your thumbs separately for extra protection.
• Ensure proper wrist support and padding over knuckles as you wrap.
• Ensure even tension as you wrap between fingers, and finish off with athletic tape or velcro.

Improve your wrapping methods in the convenience of your own residence and get comments from instructors. A well-done wrap ensures your hands are properly positioned in the boxing gloves, reducing the risk of hand injuries including fractures.

Mistake #3: Insufficient Fitness Training

Boxing requires incredible all-around fitness. But many beginners rush into sparring without building an athletic base. To avoid injury or exhaustion, build your stamina, strength and flexibility before hitting the ring. Cross-train with:

• Cardio like running, jump rope, rowing, and interval training 
• Strength training for core, legs and upper body
• Agility and footwork drills  
• Neck strengthening exercises
• Mobility and stretches for proper range of motion

Give your body time to adapt to boxing’s intense demands. Conditioning is what separates passionate amateurs from winners. Fitness lets you train harder, recover faster and outlast opponents. Put in dedicated work like jump rope sprints, push-ups and ab circuits outside regular training.

Mistake #4: Learning Bad Habits

In the initial enthusiasm of sparring, novices frequently form poor technique and unhealthy habits. Without adequate instruction, you may stoop, lower your guard, and execute inadequate punches. These early poor habits may become very troublesome to unlearn. Instructors would consistently modify and correct students to prevent the formation of bad habits.

• To build a solid boxing foundation:
• Familiarize oneself with the optimal stance, guard, footwork, and body posture.
• Obtain proficiency in the correct punching form before incorporating power.
• Begin at a slower pace, engaging in light technical sparring.
• Practice techniques until they become intuitive.
• Document sparring sessions for self-critique.
• Seek out guidance from an instructor regularly.

Perfect your fundamentals before increasing intensity. Even basic techniques done properly can be powerful weapons. Fight right from the start to avoid ever-present bad habits. You can achieve greater gains with correct fundamentals, so you won't waste time and energy on bad habit correction. It's an investment in your martial arts practice that pays dividends.

Mistake #5: Sparring Too Soon

Most professionals suggest at least 6 months of preparation before engaging in sparring for boxing newcomers. If prior combat sport experience is absent, longer wait times are likely best. Look for these signs to help determine if you are ready: You should be able to manage your breathing, display good technique, and make powerful and accurate punches. It's also important to have the agility and coordination to anticipate and defend yourself against your opponent. When your skills have reached a certain level, you will be ready to enter the ring.

• Having a reasonable level of fitness
• Mastering fundamental footwork and punches
• Possessing self-control and spatial awareness 
• Owning proper safety gear like mouthguard and cup
• Getting approval from your coach

Rushing can cause unwanted frustration, not faster progress. Build a solid footing before gradually progressing to sparring by honing heavy bag drills and padwork combinations. Exercise prudence and caution - your physical security and boxing career rely on it.

The route to becoming an amateur boxer is full of distinctive difficulties. However, with the correct groundwork and habits, newcomers can anticipate and avoid some typical missteps that can impede advancement. Cultivate your abilities slowly and carefully before you enter the ring. Buy quality boxing gloves and materials. Promote physical fitness prior to your initial match. Become an expert in the basics. And don't begin sparring until you receive approval from your train.