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Shadow Boxing – 7 Tips for Success

Shadow boxing.  It seems such a fundamental part of a fighter’s life.  We all see boxers do it.  My own personal favourite to watch shadow boxing was the one and only Muhammad Ali.  His style for me perfectly captured the essence of shadow boxing.

When shadow boxing Ali incorporated rhythm, fluidity, speed, relaxed power and wonderful footwork.  He effortlessly joined up boxing skills to produce a mesmerising display of shadow boxing that the world just had to stand and watch.

So, what is shadow boxing, how do we do it and how can we maximize the benefits that shadow boxing provides?  In this video post I am going to answer these questions and put you on the path to shadow boxing perfection.

Check out this video and then read on:

Shadow Boxing

Shadow Boxing – In the Mind

As long as boxing has existed (since the time of the ancient Greeks), boxers have built in shadow boxing to their training regime.

In brief and at its most simple, shadow boxing is boxing without a physical opponent present.

Shadow boxing empowers you to try out many of the skills of boxing before using those skills on a heavy bag or indeed a live opponent.

In fact, you could argue that shadow boxing is as much a workout for the brain as a workout the body.

As a child I was taught how to play chess.  As part of my learning, my wonderful Uncle Jimmy bought me a chess book written by a couple of Grandmasters.

The authors of the book provided some pictures of particular chess positions but one of the key conditions that they laid down for the reader was that you should not use a chess board to physically work through the moves.

There was a skill in developing the mind to think , 4 or 5 moves ahead and this skill is what they wanted the reader to build.

Using this chess analogy to describe why boxers use shadow boxing might seem odd, but it’s as good an analogy as I can produce.

Shadow boxing trains the mind, it enables thinking and allows the creation of any scenario possible.

In fact, the strength and effectiveness of shadow boxing is based upon the absence of a physical opponent.

Taking the chess analogy one step further, let’s lay down one of our MyBoxingCoach definitions of shadow boxing:

‘Shadow Boxing’ (noun) The process by which a boxer uses visualization to develop and enhance boxing skills.

As I have mentioned, shadow boxing is more about the mind than the body.

If you have worked through the post Boxing Drills – Tips for Success, shadow boxing is the next logical step to boxing drills.

Where boxing drills rely on systematic, methodical repetition, shadow boxing relies on flow, speed and ‘thinking on your feet’.

Shadow boxing is about putting yourself in the combat situation and planning the necessary tactics needed to defeat a particular type of opponent.  You visualize the way things need to be done.

Shadow Boxing and Boxing Training

Shadow boxing is generally undertaken towards the start of the session, after the warm-up but before the ‘heavier impacts’ of sparring, punch pads or heavy bag work.

Having said this, all boxers will occupy any spare moments with a burst of shadow boxing.

Some people consider shadow boxing to be part of a warm-up, but I absolutely do not.

Shadow boxing is a very important aspect of training in it’s own right and should not be sacrificed for the more ‘exciting’ impact work.

My own approach with shadow boxing is to apply a round-based structure just as I would with any other boxing training elements.

So, when shadow boxing we work within the round/rest period structure and we don’t just mindlessly go through the motions in order to pass the time.  With this in mind here are my 7 steps to help you breathe life into your shadow boxing sessions.

7 Steps to Successful Shadow Boxing

Some key points of successful shadow boxing as part of your boxing training session:

  1. When shadow boxing, your emphasis should be on movement; flowing, varied and slick bits of footwork and body movement.  Combine diagonal movement footwork with rolling, fire fast left hooks following on from the inside slip.  By all means use mirrors when shadow boxing as they are fantastically helpful (you see what an opponent would see), but don’t become a slave to the mirrors.  Whatever floor-space that you have during shadow boxing, make use of it.
  2. Visualize an opponent and place a target.  I mentioned that there is no physical opponent present when shadow boxing.  Well, your job is to put that physical opponent in there.  Don’t get sloppy, be sure to imagine your range in relation to the opponent and for heaven’s sake make sure that the imaginary opponent is a threat.  There is no use shadow boxing with an imaginary opponent who is no more dangerous than your average bunny rabbit.
  3. When shadow boxing, accelerate your shots onto a target, snapping back the head of the ‘opponent’.  By thinking about the speed and acceleration of your punch, then you will improve your punching speed and ultimately improve your punching power.  This is especially important when throwing hooks and uppercuts.
  4. Related to the previous point, when shadow boxing don’t allow your punches to go through the target before eventually finding their way back to the guard position. This is a terribly bad habit. Think about it, when your fist hits a solid object it does not continue to travel for feet beyond that object.  Your fist pretty much stops and the force generated is passed into the object.  So let’s train for that situation of hitting the target.  If during shadow boxing you don’t ‘hit a target’, then you are effectively training to miss the target.
  5. To make improvements to your hand speed during shadow boxing, why not grab a 1lb or 2lb weight in each hand.  Use these weights for a round then dispense with them for the next round.  You should feel an instant improvement in hand speed.  Make this a regular part of your shadow boxing and these improvements in punching speed will be for the long term.
  6. ‘Theme’ your rounds of shadow boxing.  For example, in round 1, visualize an opponent who is looking to put a lot of pressure on you, constantly attacking with reckless abandon.  Use lots of side-steps, pivots and long range hooks and long range uppercuts to build an effective fighting retreat.  In the next round, turn the tables and you chase down your opponent.  Check out the Dealing with Counter Punching article for an idea of approach here.
  7. Watch other boxers, both on TV (or the boxing fan’s best friend YouTube) and if you are at a gym the boxers there. Try to spot some of the skills that they use. Try to spot the subtle bits; pivots, hand-defences and footwork, and look to use some of those for a round. Basically, mimic your favourite boxers.

One final point, don’t ever take shadow boxing for granted.  It is one of the finest aspects of a boxing training session.

Make the most of shadow boxing and really use it to become the boxer that you deserve to be.

Shadow boxing will never be as effective as sparring, but it should without question form a fundamental part of your boxing training session.

Cheers

Fran

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{ 60 comments… add one }
  • Ellis November 26, 2020, 6:53 am

    Hello Fran.
    When shadow boxing, is there a difference between using cones and not using them? If so, what are they and how is using cones beneficial?

    • Fran November 26, 2020, 8:27 pm

      Hello Ellis

      When you lay cones or markers, it’s more about applying conditions to the shadow boxing to promote particular patterns of movement, no more than that really.

  • Frank Stollman July 19, 2019, 7:37 am

    Hello Fran,

    Great compilation of your subject on Shadow
    Boxing in your “Boxing Training Foundation” thesaurus.
    A question, would you also encourage an exercise called shadow sparring? My old trainer used to put two of us in out of range distance letting us move like we were really sparring.
    Thx on beforehand for your opinion:)
    Have a great weekend,

    Cheers,

    Frank

    • Fran July 19, 2019, 11:31 am

      Frank

      Thanks for your comment and kind words, I am much obliged.

      I like that, for the reasons that you state and a) ability to identify shots without being concerned about taking the shot b) an improved sense of range. Very good, I like that Frank, thanks.

  • Peter Dawkins July 18, 2019, 8:16 pm

    Hi Fran

    This is an excellent article.

    I often impose a condition on the boxers I coach in addition to them doing there own thing. ie if there defence needs improving I will ask them to visualise a come forward aggressive opponent and ask them to deal with that particular challenge. It seems to work.

    Really enjoyed this article

    Regards

    Pete

    • Fran July 19, 2019, 11:27 am

      Good approach Pete. The more pictures that I can paint the better, I really want my boxers to buy in to the staple of shadow boxing and that challenge-based visualisation. Thanks for your comment Pete, hope all is well.

  • Frank Mitchell July 18, 2019, 9:30 am

    Ah Enlightenment! I’ve been downloading Boxing PDFs and turning up to Boxing Fitness clubs, but this is the first meaningful account I’ve seen about Shadow Boxing.

    Previously I learned Karate, where Kata is a more organized form of the same idea. Your account reminds me of some descriptions of the correct way to practice Kata.

    • Fran July 18, 2019, 7:13 pm

      That’s excellent Frank, so glad to be able to put something out that strikes a chord and is effective. You’re not the first who has mentioned Kata, I think breaking boxing down into individual skills in this traditional coaching style is very transferrable I guess to the ways of learning other martial arts. Thanks Frank, great contribution.

  • Pug July 17, 2019, 8:59 pm

    Couldn’t agree more on point #4 Fran. I’ve heard it many times, punch through your target! I believe it may be more applicable to straight punches, ie., stepping in with a jab, range, etc. But it gets overused. Particularly when it refers to hooks, as you demonstrated. It throws you off balance and exposes you in an indefensible position to a straight right counter punch. Dumb and dumber!

    • Fran July 18, 2019, 7:11 pm

      Exactly – Always rewarding when someone who knows the game recognises these things Pug – it really is surprising how sloppiness is accepted in this type of activity. Hope all is well

  • Dan December 19, 2016, 10:09 am

    Thanks. What would you reccomend is best to deal with a tall southpaw jab? as it feels like everytime i step into range to put my offense together i get caught with it.

    • Fran December 20, 2016, 8:49 pm

      Feint (as a trigger), lead hand block then a one-two. Feint, lay back then double jab pushing to your front and left then the back hand can go. Feint, lay back then a lead hand hook over the top.

  • Dan December 16, 2016, 6:49 am

    Hello fran im just wondering what tactics you would reccomend when fighting against a tall southpaw please?

  • Ahmad Elhawli July 28, 2016, 1:47 am

    Nice article! Very insightful boxing training tips!

  • boxing clothing May 28, 2016, 12:16 pm

    Very good website you have here but I was curious if
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  • Leo April 28, 2016, 1:03 am

    Hi Fran! Big fan of your videos and tips.
    Great article.
    I’ve been thinking about getting some 1-pound weight gloves for shadow boxing so this article couldnt have came at a better time.
    Just a question though. Do all pros use weighted gloves for shadow boxing? Why some do and some dont? If I practised shadow boxing without gloves and then train and spar using 16oz, the difference is just not reconcilable. It’s like I’m getting all my techniques and punches right during shadow boxing but the moment I put my gloves on I feel I’m doing things entirely differen because of the weight difference. So why do some still contest the benefits of weighted gloves for shadow boxing?

    • Fran April 28, 2016, 9:18 pm

      Hey Leo

      Thanks for the feedback pal.

      People have different views and always will. As well as weights, I also like to use resistance bands too and they are becoming increasingly popular. Look, I believe in using weights but not for every round. My view is that they offer benefits just as shadow boxing without weights offer benefits. Don’t think too much mate, just relax into it. And by the way, 16oz gloves will always feel more cumbersome than in sparring but you will get used to it…persist buddy. Hope this helps.

  • Anonymous February 21, 2015, 5:01 am

    Hey Frank, I tried all these moves of shadow fighting for the first time and I got body ache ?Is it part of the game and should I continue practicing with the pain? Hope you reply.

    • Fran February 24, 2015, 8:32 pm

      Hi

      Difficult to say. If this is aching the day after then that’s likely to be conventional stiffness caused by lactic acid. As you become more used to the technique this will subside. IF you are encountering significant discomfort as you are working then that might be of more concern and you need to consider speaking to a medic/physiotherapist. Conventionally, you could get ‘burn’ in your calves but that’s natural.

      Hope this helps.

  • theripper035 January 1, 2015, 11:11 am

    http://youtu.be/hnmwwmvUfDA
    Korean oldest boxer plays awesome shadow boxing

  • mikuchis October 23, 2014, 8:35 am

    Re point 4), do you actively stop your hand “mid-air”, i.e. you don’t let your hand travel all the extension of arm and shoulder?

    • Fran October 24, 2014, 8:29 pm

      Hey Mikuchis

      Get full extension with the straight shots but with hooks and uppercuts definitely ‘snap’ the shot to a stop.

  • neil arche r August 27, 2014, 9:10 am

    are you suggesting that no man on earth, no society or collection of peoples boxed in any shape form or fashion before the “ancient greeks”?

    • Fran August 27, 2014, 8:28 pm

      Maybe my wording should have included the phrase ‘earliest recorded’ Neil. I’m not a brilliant boxing historian though Neil so I am very much open to being corrected as to the origins of the game.

  • vanda monaco April 20, 2014, 2:56 pm

    Hi Frank

    this shadow boxing directions are great! They help me so much. You know, I ‘m an actress and the “shadow” is basic when rehearsing a character’s dialog.
    I love boxing and its combination of precision, creativity and hard training. Your coaching helps me. Thanks. Vanda

    • Fran April 23, 2014, 7:51 pm

      Hey Vanda

      Thanks so much for the comment. Great that you see the overlaps with your profession. I’m sure that the visualisation is 2nd nature to you! Best of luck with your boxing 🙂

  • Larry B January 26, 2014, 10:27 am

    Very useful info. The best martial arts exercise during my training had one imagine a scenario where two or three enemies would be closing in from different directions, and they had to be defended against in rapid succession. This exercise trains the mind to identify and classify threats, and plan defense (you can’t apply too lengthy a skill set to any one opponent or the others will gain the advantage).

    I apply a simiilar technique to shadow boxing, where two imaginary opponents are moving in, and one has to rapidily shift their attention and strikes from side to side (and/or front to rear and back again). This exercise improves footwork and mobility, and seems to help loosen up the joints compared to always working against someone in front of you.

  • Azhar November 26, 2013, 8:04 pm

    Thanks a LOT !!!! I can’t even tell you how much its helpful …… I am a die hard fan of mma and wrestling style

  • Anonymous August 11, 2013, 8:53 pm

    Good tips I’m going to use. For someone just wanting to learn and practice a little boxing on my own do you think i should get a speed bag or double ended bag. If so which is better. i want increase speed also endurance . Rather have speed.

    • Fran August 13, 2013, 7:12 pm

      Thanks. As a straight choice I would always go with the double-end bag, it’s a great and versatile piece of equipment. I am assuming that you have a heavy bag already?

      • Danny November 12, 2013, 6:22 am

        I agree with Fran. I would go with the double-ended bag whenever I practice boxing.

  • gaurav July 31, 2013, 7:03 am

    my punches are not opening during bouts and i dont know about my range of right punch pls help me….

    • Fran August 5, 2013, 6:35 pm

      Hey Gaurav. Tough question without seeing the video. But, if you are landing with the jab then there is no reason why the straight backhand should not land…as long it the backhand is being thrown correctly with the right amount of rotation.

  • bl July 3, 2013, 12:58 am

    can you give some advice on shadow boxing drills please?

  • Paul March 24, 2013, 8:50 am

    Loved this post, very insightful. Being a kickboxing practitioner, I use shadow boxing all the time so I can testify to it’s benefits, and I never go a training day without doing some shadow work.

    • Fran March 25, 2013, 9:29 pm

      Thanks Paul, glad it helped.

  • tk March 3, 2013, 4:48 pm

    this is very insightful article . thank you
    when shadow boxing with hand weight, can o use more heavy dumebll such as 5lb ?

    • Fran March 4, 2013, 8:07 pm

      Depends on your weight TK. If you’re a big guy then you can use them. I tend to have the boxers use smaller weights though so that they can keep the punch rate up.

  • chris k. February 22, 2013, 9:27 am

    Thanx alot im new to boxing but ive
    loved it since i was in diapers.
    this helped ALOT

    • Fran February 22, 2013, 2:19 pm

      Glad to hear that Chris. Thanks

  • Fahsel February 13, 2013, 12:52 am

    Okay I would like to ask you two things. What should be the distance between you and the real target? And what’s the reason that when I’m actually punching the real target I fail to punch as hard as I punch the imaginary or punching bag, no matter the target is fixed or stuck, something hold ma back. I want to ask why this happens?

    • Fran February 16, 2013, 9:07 am

      Hi Fahsel

      If I understand your question, then the distance between you and the target will change often during a contest. Check out this article on Range Finding in Boxing for more information. What I would suggest is that often during a spar or a boxing match, the opponent can be moving slightly all of the time. This means that it can be more difficult for you to target and time the punch accordingly.

      Keep practising, your timing and range finding will work.

  • San February 5, 2013, 5:32 am

    nice write-ups

  • Gabby January 18, 2013, 11:12 pm

    This is a great article! Thanks. I hope you do not mind that I shared it on a new Facebbok Shadowboxing Workout page with other Shadowboxing funs. All the best.

    • Fran January 21, 2013, 12:21 pm

      Thanks Gabby. Checked out your FB page, some nice stuff there 🙂

  • Sam Leigh December 24, 2012, 10:11 pm

    Great article mate! I’ve always respected the need for shadow boxing but this article made me see it in a whole new light, good job!

    • Fran December 27, 2012, 10:20 pm

      Cheers Sam, thanks for the comment and I’m glad that the article helps.

  • Paul Smith June 12, 2012, 8:45 pm

    This was a nice insightful article. I’ve always had admiration for those who skillfully shadow box (Ricky Hatton was one of the best imo) and now I know the thought process. Well done and thanks again Fran.

    • Fran June 12, 2012, 9:34 pm

      Cheers Paul. Nice to hear from you, I hope that your boxing training and everything else is going well. Got a few posts planned for this week; more Cubans, Pacquiao/Bradley score and a little one on motivation. keep an eye out.

      Thanks again

      • Darren June 14, 2012, 10:39 am

        Nice! Very well explained coach.

  • tom June 7, 2012, 6:15 am

    It is really helpful to have these seemingly obvious goals written down.
    Thanks.

  • chris June 6, 2012, 7:08 am

    thanx a lot!

    • Fran June 6, 2012, 9:49 pm

      You’re welcome. Thanks.

  • Dave June 5, 2012, 11:16 pm

    This is helped alot.Good tips.

    • Fran June 6, 2012, 9:49 pm

      Glad you liked it. Cheers.

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