Self taught boxing/training

[AndreLittle2323]

So I can't afford a coach so I watch a lot of videos and record myself and try to correct any bad techniques. It's a pain in the ass but I'm determined to not be discouraged. Does anyone have any advice/tips on how to properly teach oneself? My punching technique is fine in my opinion I just lack agility to move more. I guess it'll improve once I can punch properly by second nature instead of having to somewhat think of how I'm positioned before I throw.

Any comments are welcomed

[Redd Foxx]

It doesn't work. Everyone is confident that they have successfully taught themselves but you simply can't correct problems you're not aware of. You need a coach to spot issues, explain why it's wrong, and how to correct. Boxing isn't just about what you're doing right, it's just as much about what you're doing wrong.

I often recommend people save up a little money and get some private lessons for 3 months. That will carry with you for a long time and your practice time on your own will be infinitely more valuable. If you can't do 3 months, do what you can afford and take notes when you get home from your sessions.

[AndreLittle2323]

It doesn't work. Everyone is confident that they have successfully taught themselves but you simply can't correct problems you're not aware of. You need a coach to spot issues, explain why it's wrong, and how to correct. Boxing isn't just about what you're doing right, it's just as much about what you're doing wrong.

I often recommend people save up a little money and get some private lessons for 3 months. That will carry with you for a long time and your practice time on your own will be infinitely more valuable. If you can't do 3 months, do what you can afford and take notes when you get home from your sessions.

With 5 kids it's hard to save up for something that doesn't benefit them. Regardless, there has to be some agility drills I can do on my own. I know what proper form is so I video record myself and spot concerns and correct them. While I agree one person can't get great alone it is possible to advance much further with a sparring partner at the least.

[Redd Foxx]

I video record myself and spot concerns and correct them.

How do you spot issues when you have never trained in boxing?
As with many talents, people neglect to realize how complex boxing is. I "self-trained" for years and though my friends thought I was a badass, 15 years of practice didn't hold a candle to how much I learned in just the first 2 months of professional coaching.

Regarding money, I personally consider it an investment in health. If I didn't have boxing I probably wouldn't work out much at all. If spending some money on a coach for a little while helps you maintain an interest in fitness and health, then it does help my family (my wife is actually the one who tells me this).

I'm not going to try to get into moral and financial advice though so best of luck, whatever you decide to do. I'm just giving you the most honest advice possible. Boxing with bad form can be damaging on the joints.

[AndreLittle2323]

How do you spot issues when you have never trained in boxing?
As with many talents, people neglect to realize how complex boxing is. I "self-trained" for years and though my friends thought I was a badass, 15 years of practice didn't hold a candle to how much I learned in just the first 2 months of professional coaching.

Regarding money, I personally consider it an investment in health. If I didn't have boxing I probably wouldn't work out much at all. If spending some money on a coach for a little while helps you maintain an interest in fitness and health, then it does help my family (my wife is actually the one who tells me this).

I'm not going to try to get into moral and financial advice though so best of luck, whatever you decide to do. I'm just giving you the most honest advice possible. Boxing with bad form can be damaging on the joints.

We'll I've had about 2 years of on and off coaching from friends of mine who were amateur at the time. I boxed all through high school so I know my form is at least good. I'm trying to get back into it if anything just to keep in shape and stay sharp on my skills. I only ask about self teaching because at the moment I can't afford a coach and when the time comes that I can I'd like to be far past the basics

[Redd Foxx]

We'll I've had about 2 years of on and off coaching from friends of mine who were amateur at the time. I boxed all through high school so I know my form is at least good. I'm trying to get back into it if anything just to keep in shape and stay sharp on my skills. I only ask about self teaching because at the moment I can't afford a coach and when the time comes that I can I'd like to be far past the basics

That's a good start. Also, if you ever want advice (and can deal with the 'variety' of opinions) a lot of people post videos here asking for advice. The quality of advice received varies but you'll usually have people spotting things you might not have realized you were doing. Or, you'll get compliments on other areas you didn't know were strengths. Etc.

There's a few trolls here but, for the most part, the training section is a decent place to get a variety of opinions.

[AndreLittle2323]

That's a good start. Also, if you ever want advice (and can deal with the 'variety' of opinions) a lot of people post videos here asking for advice. The quality of advice received varies but you'll usually have people spotting things you might not have realized you were doing. Or, you'll get compliments on other areas you didn't know were strengths. Etc.

There's a few trolls here but, for the most part, the training section is a decent place to get a variety of opinions.

I really appreciate the encouragement! Most forums are nothing but trolls but I'm really looking to up my game without a coach as long as possible and I'm hoping some constructive criticism here will help. I'll post a video tomorrow, probably embarrass myself, but I'll see what happens. I'm not really looking to compete on a professional basis. I'm just wanting to have the skills back in my pocket like in high school because it helps build confidence and it's a great way to stay in shape and self defend in a proper manner. I can handle myself quite well being 6' 2" 185lbs but to do so with proper form is the best feeling ever!

[Zaryu]

It's always better to have a coach, and it seems like you know that. However, my advice is that it's always better to do some boxing training on your own than to do nothing at all. I know some people will disagree with this and will say you will develop bad habits, etc. But I've seen people train with coaches and still develop bad habits, you might as well develop them for free and have a good excuse for them. Also, bad habits can be corrected whenever you do get a coach, at least you'll have a set base of conditioning to work harder longer.

Since you're not looking to go pro or anything, and already have had basic fundamentals taught to you by friends, I personally see no issues with you continuing your self taught training. I would probably put a higher emphasis on the conditioning portion of boxing training, but either way I think you'll enjoy the benefits of it. Best wishes!

[AndreLittle2323]

It's always better to have a coach, and it seems like you know that. However, my advice is that it's always better to do some boxing training on your own than to do nothing at all. I know some people will disagree with this and will say you will develop bad habits, etc. But I've seen people train with coaches and still develop bad habits, you might as well develop them for free and have a good excuse for them. Also, bad habits can be corrected whenever you do get a coach, at least you'll have a set base of conditioning to work harder longer.

Since you're not looking to go pro or anything, and already have had basic fundamentals taught to you by friends, I personally see no issues with you continuing your self taught training. I would probably put a higher emphasis on the conditioning portion of boxing training, but either way I think you'll enjoy the benefits of it. Best wishes!

I really appreciate that!

[ShoulderRoll]

To echo what every one else is telling you, find a good coach. There is no substitute for that.

But if you insist on training on your own then you should at least be sparring at a gym regularly. The results will give you feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to work on.

Some gyms don't even charge for that. The one I go to has supervised sparring every Friday and will let almost anyone step in the ring for a few rounds that night, just to give their guys some extra work and let the general public blow off some steam.