Working the Mitts
Once you're past Level III you will start working mitts with the head coach. This is where you will start to develop
your "boxing style".
There's different methods of working the mitts. Most coaches now days work on conditioning rather than technique.
Ever since Mayweather became champion many coaches are trying to mimic Roger Mayweathers style of mitt work.
Personally, I don't think working mitts using this style benefits an amateur or inexperienced boxer. Coaches and
boxers don't realize that the boxer working mitts is a boxer who is in a class of his own. Due to his above average
speed and reflexes he can get away with working this way. A simple way to prove that this style of mitts is not
beneficial for inexperienced boxers is to go on youtube and search for coaches who practice this style with their
boxers. I still have yet to see a TOP AMATEUR or OLYMPIAN working mitts this way. Most of the coaches and
boxers with videos on youtube are very inexperienced, yet are able to work mitts EXACTLY the way the
Mayweathers do. So ask yourself, how is it possible that an inexperienced boxer can do exactly the same thing
Floyd does on the mitts without any major experience at the top level?
Many coaches make working the Mitts about them and don't focus on the needs of their boxers. Should a coach
work mitts the same way with a boxer who's 6'3 250lbs and one who is 5'3 106 pounds? What if you have a short
stocky boxer with above average power? Should you work the same way with him as you do someone who has very
little power and has a long reach? Of course not. As coaches we must all evaluate our boxers to pin point their
weaknesses and work on improvement. We must also understand and be able to recognize a boxers strong points
to make sure he reaches his full potential. There's nothing worse than seeing a boxer with tons of talent who
doesn't boxer up to his potential.
As coaches we are responsible for our boxers performance. I like using the mitts to improve on technique. Working
the mitts can give you a good understanding on a boxers weak and strong points. I work mitts with all of my boxers
before they ever set foot in the ring. Once I feel the boxer is ready to spar he'll begin to work on controlled sparring
drills vs the experienced boxers in preparation for their first full contact session.
Another thing I do is allow other coaches to work mitts with my boxers while I watch their technique from different
angles. It's impossible for a coach to work mitts and be able to see full body positioning before, during and after
combinations. I use this time to correct any gaps in technique and balance.
Many coaches don't give balance the proper attention. Having good balance is essential to becoming a good boxer.
Proof of this is the style of most Olympic medalist. If there's one thing amateur boxers from the United States lack its
their footwork. There's not enough emphasis on our boxers footwork. Having the proper balance, stance and
quickness with your legs gives you a big advantage. That's why Cubans have dominated the Olympics. They have
perfected how to stay in balance and in position to punch while moving in and out of range.
Although we teach everyone the same basic punches, boxing stance, footwork and head movement, each boxer
within time develop a style of his/her own. I (Arturo III) have never agreed with teaching all boxers the exact same
style. Although this has worked for many coaches, can you imagine how many boxers they turned away cause they
couldn't fit into their coaching style? As coaches we must spend time with each one of our boxers and find their
strong and weak points. If a boxer lacks power a coach should not be teaching him to fight like Mike Tyson. If a
boxer lacks hand speed he shouldn't be teaching how to fight like Floyd Mayweather.
It's a learning experience for coaches as well, not just the boxer. Keep in mind that working the mitts doesn't always
have to involve actually wearing the mitts. I usually use my hands during the first round to correct boxing stance,
punches, and go over what we'll be working on that day. It's much easier to correct your boxer with your hands than
mitts. Once you've gone over this, time to make contact!
When working the mitts keep one thing in mind. As a coach you're there to help your boxer improve. Don't make
working the mitts about YOU. I've seen coaches so focused on "looking good" that they pay no attention to what
their boxer is doing. Next time someone works mitts pay attention to the movement of the arms by both, the coach
and boxer. Sometimes it looks like the boxer should be the one wearing the mitts.
Some things coaches can focus on while working mitts:
a. Balance
b. Technique during combinations
c. How to box against certain styles or situations
1. Southpaw
2. Slugger
3. Boxer
4. Power puncher
5. How to hold when hurt
6. How to prevent a boxer from using their right/left hand
A FEW EXAMPLES OF WORKING THE MITTS
WORKING WITH:
Long reach
Southpaw
Quick hands & the RIGHT hand
Power Puncher
Smaller, aggressive styled boxers and the LEFT hand
Quick footwork
Our boxers NEVER stop learning. We have boxers who have been ranked in the top 10 in the country with tons of
experience who are still learning on how to improve their "game". Some of the things we teach our more
experienced boxers:
a. How to take control of the bout without throwing a punch
b. To have a good understanding of the state of mind during battle.
c. To recognize gaps in their opponents style
d. To set traps and control the boxers next move
e. How and when to begin to focus before a bout
f. Understanding ONES body and what foods/vitamins help performance
g. How to cancel out or prevent their opponent from using the left and/or right hand
h. How to cancel out an opponents biggest assets and advantages
These are just a few of the things we teach our experienced boxers. Our gym is opened to our boxers 365 days a
year. We try to set a time during the weekend to work with our boxers ONE on ONE. This allows us to go into detail
on the things they can work on to improve.