When you talk about boxing, it is difficult to have a conversation without mentioning the legends of this sport, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, and Rocky Graziano. Their dedication, intense passion, unique skills, and years of hard work and sweat brought them the fame they deserve. With hours, days, months, and years of practice, many young boxers and future hopefuls wish to become like them, and hope for one day they can earn the same respect these legends hold today. However, you can't just start punching speed bags or punching bags and call yourself a boxer. Your passion for boxing comes from within and it has to transform into the way you accept it into you. By following proper boxing techniques, you can become a powerful boxer. There are various tips and techniques used in boxing. Shadow boxing is one of them. Students of boxing, and even professional boxers, are taught how to shadow box so that they can apply this exercise into the sport. In the following article, we will be taking a closer look at what this style of boxing is and also go over some important tips. What is Shadow Boxing? Technically speaking, this type of boxing is a workout that boxers use to prepare their muscles for training. During this technique, no punching bags or any other equipment is used. You have to deliver punches in front of you and think that someone is standing there (this should explain the reason behind the name). You can stand in front of a mirror or in middle of the ring to start boxing yourself. When you punch in front of you, since there isn't any bag that determines how much force you've used, the workout becomes that much more interesting and important. You have maneuver your body in such a way that it looks like there is someone present and you are actually punching a person and/or trying avoid taking their blows. In order to know what it looks like, picture Muhammad Ali in the ring, throwing punches in the air, practicing his routine. After understanding what this workout is all about, let's look at some boxing tips which you can follow in order to apply them in boxing. Tips for Shadow Boxing Learning and practicing the technique doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be a professional boxer or are looking towards being one. As an exercise routine, you can learn to make yourself more agile and light on your feet. ■ It helps to condition your body and provide the much-needed strength for boxing. You need to learn how have a proper stance during this workout so that you can transfer your energy to improving the power in your punches, being swift and light on your feet, and develop your skills in the sport. ■ Keep a check on your breathing pattern as it affects how you deliver your punches and move about the ring. Many times, some people forget to breathe out after taking a breath. Keeping your breath in and then throwing the punches is wrong and can hold you back. ■ Boxing has everything to do with your core muscles. If you core muscles are weak, you won't be able to have a firm hold over your legs to move about the ring. Your every move, punch, slide, everything depends on your core muscles. So keep working to build your abdominal muscles and make them strong. ■ Learning just one routine during practice (moving in the same direction, following one rhythm) is not advisable. You should keep changing your routine so that you don't become predictable and your opponent is left wondering what your next move will be. ■ The most important tip is, every time you throw a punch, or are maneuvering around the ring, always have an image of someone standing in front of you. Picturing an opponent will help you focus and concentrate. You won't throw punches for the heck of it and will be able to understand how boxing works. When you learn, understand, and practice the techniques, you can be sure to time your punches and improve yourself as a boxer. Similar to following particular drills in any given sport, shadow boxing is considered as a drill for boxing. While practicing, remember the tips mentioned in this article. Also, if you have a coach or trainer who is teaching you boxing, or how to shadow box, listen to their advice and look for guidance.