How To Start Boxing [Kid’s Edition]

Keeping kids physically active is more difficult – and more important – than ever and boxing is one of the most engaging, enjoyable activities that will ignite your kid’s love of exercise. Youth boxing programs offer an unbeatable workout while teaching kids about discipline, persistence, and hard work, all without ever being boring.

What Is Youth Boxing?

Youth boxing is boxing training for kids generally ages seven to seventeen, and is designed to be an introduction to boxing as well as a guide for advancing boxing skills. Youth boxing, much like beginner boxing for adults, teaches kids about the fundamentals of boxing training such as correct fighting stances and basic punches, while providing boxing tips for kids who want to take their training to the next level.

What Age Can Kids Start Boxing?

If a child shows interest in boxing, no age is too early to start learning basic boxing training. That said, hitting a bag requires a certain degree of strength and coordination that isn’t achievable until around seven years old. You also aren’t likely to find gloves small enough to fit a child much younger. Shadowboxing is always an option for younger kids that can’t find a small enough set of gloves.

How Do You Start Boxing?

You start boxing by learning the fundamentals of boxing training. This is something that can be done with no equipment at home. There are excellent resources online that provide training from real professional boxers (Learn To Box Online).

How Do Kids Get Into Boxing?

Kids often get into boxing in the same way they get into anything else – by watching adults. Maybe they were mesmerized by a pro fight they saw on TV, or maybe they saw their mom or dad unleash some insanely cool combos on their in-home heavy bag.

If a parent starts an at-home boxing program, it’s likely their child will want to mimic all those impressive moves. Parents and children learning boxing together can be a great opportunity to bond over something truly fun and healthy.

How Do Kids Start Boxing?

Kids can start boxing by practicing basic boxing drills at home (The Beginner’s Guide To Boxing At Home). This is also a great way to be sure they are interested in making the commitment to boxing before investing in any boxing gear.

Kids boxing training follows the same principles as adult beginner boxing training – it starts with learning stances and basic punches. If kids test out some different training methods like shadowboxing drills and find out they really enjoy it, it’s time to look into some in-home equipment.

What Equipment Do Kids Need To Start Boxing?

Kids boxing requires much of the same equipment adults use, just with significantly smaller measurements.

Here’s a look at some of the basic kids boxing equipment to consider:

Kids Boxing Gloves & Wraps

Beginner boxers of all ages need to use wraps and gloves to protect their hands and wrists. Kids wraps are slightly smaller and shorter to accommodate smaller hands, while kids boxing gloves are the same design as adults’ gloves on a different scale. They are categorized by weight just like adult boxing gloves – though they are much lighter and usually between 4 and 8 ounces.

Kids' Boxing Bag

There are pros and cons to different types of punching bags, but in kids boxing, a hanging heavy bag is generally too tall and too unwieldy for beginners. A standing bag that sits low on the base is more stable with more punching surface, making it perfect for boxers of all ages and heights.

Kids Boxing Shoes

Boxing shoes aren’t required for beginners, but they definitely have advantages. Kids boxing shoes will provide more ankle support and better grip, making them a great safety precaution for wary parents as well as an asset to their boxing training.

Kids boxing is a safe, fun way to keep children engaged in physical activity while teaching valuable lessons in dedication and discipline. Boxing is perhaps the best way for kids to exert their energy in a productive way that they will enjoy. There are wonderful resources online on how to start boxing as a kid, and it is easy to get started with an online training program for beginner boxers at any age.

The Author: Tommy Duquette is the Co-Founder and Head of Content at FightCamp. He is a former US Boxing Team member with 136 fights under his belt and qualified for the 2012 Olympic trials as the #2 seed. He has 18 years of experience training clients in boxing and fitness.