Every aspiring boxer knows about shadow boxing, but not all aspiring boxers actually know how to shadow box. It's one of the key ways that boxers train, and it helps to hone all of the skills you have practiced. Really, shadow boxing is about putting all of those skills together into one tight package. When you learn how to shadow box, you are effectively training your body and your mind to prepare for the real thing, whether for you that's a sparring session or a real fight.
Beginning to Shadow Box
So how do you begin to learn how to shadow box? I recommend that you shadow box in the beginning of your workout. It doesn't have to be the very first thing - in fact you should still warm up before hand with jumping jacks, pushups and other fundamental exercises. But it has to come early in your workout.
Why is that so important? Because the point of shadow boxing is to correct your form and tighten up your boxing. If you have already worked the heavy bag and the pads, your arms and your body are going to be tired. That's when your form starts to slip. And if you're tired and have bad form and techniques, then there's really no reason to bother shadow boxing. So you should always shadow box towards the beginning of your workout.
An important thing you need to have when you shadow box is a full length mirror. Preferably you will be in a gym or a situation where there is an entire wall or walls of full length mirrors. Then you can really see yourself from every angle and position at all times. But if that's not possible, you'll want to at least purchase a single full length mirror and stand it up or hang it on the wall where you work out.
Learning How to Shadow Box
Once you are loosened up and ready to go, it's time to start learning how to shadow box. If nothing else, you'll work up a great sweat and be ready to really dive into the rest of your workout. But if done correctly and practiced over time, you'll really start to see the differences in your training and your fighting.
Begin by throwing your jab a few times. Mix in a few combinations, and then mix in some bouncing and some weaving. Watch yourself in the mirror the whole time. Focus not on throwing the fastest punches or the hardest punches, but on keeping your form as neat as possible. That means being light on your feet, keeping your elbows tucked into your sides, holding your guard up to your face and following through correctly with your arms and with your legs on all punches.
If you've never shadow boxed before, or never watched yourself shadow box, you may be surprised at what you're seeing. You might end up being pleasantly surprised and think to yourself, "Hey, I don't look half bad doing this, my form and punches are crisp." But most people will be looking at themselves in the mirror for the first time thinking, "Wow, I don't look half as good as I thought I did!"
Improving Your Boxing Technique and Form with Shadow Boxing
And that's important, because the more you practice how to shadow box, the more you will improve. When you see the mistakes you are making in the mirror in real time, you should then immediately work on improving that area. Maybe you aren't turning your back foot on your straight rights. Keep throwing 1-2's and lead right hands until you get that punch down. Or maybe you notice that you throw your left hook too wide, leaving a large opening. Work on getting that punch thrown with better accuracy and in a quicker arc.
If you are noticing mistakes everywhere, then you can always go back to the beginning. Throw nothing but your jab, and keep on throwing your jab, returning your fists to guard and applying your footwork until your jab is perfect. Then start with your 1-2 combinations. Then add in your left hook, and then begin adding in more movement, head shakes, weaves, body punches, uppercuts and so on.
That's actually a good way to shadow box each and every time you do it. Start with your jab and work your way up until you master each combination. Think of it as a video game, and each combination is a new level you have to pass to get to the next. You can't throw your favorite 5 punch attack until your 1-2-3 is perfect.
You'll surprise yourself with how quickly your skills improve! Learning how to shadow box isn't all that difficult, it's all about watching yourself and learning about yourself. You are your own watchdog, so you have to hold yourself accountable for fixing those mistakes and improving your boxing technical form.
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One of the best boxing training tips I can give is to try shadowboxing for 3-5 rounds in the beginning of every boxing workout you do. When you learn how to shadow box, you are really just learning how to box. And you'll have the advantage of everyone who doesn't "waste" their time with it. Learning how to shadow box will dramatically increase your boxing skills and form.
