Boxing Games for Teens
Competitive boxing sparring between teens should only happen in a professional gym, supervised by trained and experienced people. However, parents and older siblings can run teens through a variety of games that teach boxing skills, techniques and strategies. Whether you play just for the fun of the games, or as part of a complete regimen for boxing training, is entirely up to you.
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Counting Combos
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For each number between one and five, choose a punching combination such as a one-two combo or a hook off the jab. One player leads the exercise by calling out a number. All other players then perform the combination that corresponds to the number. You can play this game in the air, on a bag, or with a partner holding boxing pads. It can also be fun to play this as a Simon Says style of activity.
Noodle Drills
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This game builds a teen's defensive skills including slipping, ducking and being aware of the opponent's arm reach. One player holds a floppy "pool noodle" cut to a length of about 3 feet. The other assumes a boxing stance. The player with the noodle pokes or swings at the other player, who can use only boxing maneuvers to avoid being struck. Play until the attacker scores a certain number of hits, or in rounds of two to three minutes. Because most schools in the U.S. will punish any child who hits back in a fight regardless of who starts it, this can be one of the most useful self-defense games you can play with your teen.
Fun at Any Angle
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To build punching speed and accuracy, set a punching bag at a 45-degree angle and release it. The teen playing will work to keep the bag at that angle -- instead of falling to its usual perpendicular position -- using only punches. Have players compete to see who can keep it up the longest, or use the game for conditioning by playing for rounds of a set time.
Clothespin Drill
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The clothespin drill is as close as teens should get to sparring without the supervision of a trained boxing coach. Two players affix one clothespin each to their shirts just above their shoulders. When play starts, both try to pull the clothespins off their opponents using punching motions intending to grab rather than strike. When one player loses both clothespins, the other player has won.
Common Sense Warnings
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Boxing isn't just a contact sport, it's a combat sport. Even in simple games, participants will occasionally get hit. Because teens are not known for their ability to restrain their tempers under stress, an adult should supervise any boxing games they play. Wearing gloves, a mouthpiece and a helmet will also help reduce the risk of injury.
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