looking ******/amateurish while boxing

[rockymarciano1]

I know this sounds ****** but what really annoys me when I'm boxing (expecally in competition) is that my elbows seem to stick out and they never seem to stick to my sides, like in the pic. (it's a picture of me, I'm the one in blue)
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...865_n.jpg?dl=1

I've had 10 fights now and Im never happy with how I look while boxing (this elbow thing being a main problem) and it seems even if I work to keep them tight into my sides I always get this ****** amateurish look when I watch the DVDs of my sights back.

does anyone with any experience in boxing (e.g had a lot of bouts or experienced a similar dilemma) know any advice they can give.

thanks.

[Redd Foxx]

A healthy respect for body shots is the best way I can think to correct that. Maybe ask your sparring partners to help you out by exploiting it when you start letting your elbows flare out.

[Rockin']

Put a punch mitt under your right arm while shadowboxing.

Once you get in with the tougher and more experienced guys you will learn to keep those elbows tight or they will be eating your ribs from dinner. A cracked rib or two will help remind you to keep those elbows tight.

You might try visualizing while going to sleep. See yourself over and over again in your mind throwing the shots with your elbows tucked neatly inside. I used to visulize fights the night before, what I wanted to do and how I was to do it. It seemed to help me through some tough bouts.

10 fights under your belt, good job. I'm wondering how old you are

Rockin'...........

[rockymarciano1]

Put a punch mitt under your right arm while shadowboxing.

Once you get in with the tougher and more experienced guys you will learn to keep those elbows tight or they will be eating your ribs from dinner. A cracked rib or two will help remind you to keep those elbows tight.

You might try visualizing while going to sleep. See yourself over and over again in your mind throwing the shots with your elbows tucked neatly inside. I used to visulize fights the night before, what I wanted to do and how I was to do it. It seemed to help me through some tough bouts.

10 fights under your belt, good job. I'm wondering how old you are

Rockin'...........

thanks, I remember when I first started I had to use the old tennis ball under the chin trick to keep my chin down and now it feels comfortable and natural (though I'm not sure if it was because of the tennis ball). I saw that in a few boxing manuals so I'll give it a go now you mention it. and to answer your question, I just turned seventeen a few days ago. I was a late starter to boxing although it does run in the family. I started when I was about 12 or 13 but I was terrible at first so it took me a while to get good enough to compete (I was a big thin kid at first, feet like concrete and no real skill). I think the only reason I wasn't kicked out of the gym is because I seemed to be naturally good at punching and had a but of power, despite a lack of fundamental skill.

[rockymarciano1]

holding my elbow that close seems to makes the muscle tense up. would it get better if I practice it with the mitt held under the elbow over time?

[Rockin']

Do this.... Get into your boxing stance, slightly crouched. If you notice your elbow will be right on your pelvic bone. Instead of setting your elbow against the bone just rest it on top of it. From a slight crouch you can just rest the elbow on the bone and if you put your chin to your chest you will notice that if you raise the arm and open your hand you should be covering the entire side of your head and your ribs are well protected all the same. Keep up the hard work dude and keep me posted.........Rockin'

[rockymarciano1]

thanks for the advice.

[meelimb1]

I had the same problem. My coach tied a rope parallel to the rings ropes, making a narrow pathway, just wide enough for me to shadowbox in. If I flared out, my elbows would hit the ropes.