The CYC Boxing Program strives to learn and enjoy the sport of boxing together as a family unit. When you become a member of the Boxing program you are taught from the beginning to help and support the other members. At all levels, the coaching staff uses film and training review, sparring and competition to identify areas that need attention in an athlete’s boxing development and regiment.

As a beginner, boxers will be integrated into the sport slowly, incorporating stretching, proper hand-wrapping techniques, and enjoyable warm-up drills. Head Coach, Gary Sullenger believes that in order to get kids to work hard, you need to keep them interested and having fun. Warm-up routines such as indoor soccer, dodge ball and sprout ball help set that tone. Rhythm, basic footwork and combinations are key components that are taught during the early stages of an athlete’s boxing development. Careful attention is paid to this portion of training as it lays the foundation for all future development. The basic technique taught for conditioning at this level is work on the heavy bags, jumping rope and running. As athletes continue, they learn defensive techniques including punch avoidance, blocking and counter punching. Depending on athlete skill development, sparring may begin to take place at this level. However, this happens only when the coach believes the athlete is ready.

When an athlete progresses to the intermediate, advanced and/or competitive levels, the intensity picks up. A strong love for the sport helps carry the athlete through the tougher workouts. Warm-up exercises include stretching, running, mirror boxing, under wire punching, jump rope and advanced footwork routines. The coaching staff also includes fun, lighter warm-up games during training. At this stage of training, double end bag, speed bag, upper cut bag and punch mitt drills with the coaching staff are key components of the program. The partner concept is incorporated to keep more kids training concurrently. One-on-one drills, punching, counter punching and defensive positioning are key skills learned and enhanced through partnering strategies. The CYC Boxing Program hosts and travels to several competitions throughout the year and our coaches work hard at managing the competitive boxers and selecting appropriate matches for them. Once an athlete reaches the team level, weight management and diet are extremely important components of training. The coaching staff assists the athlete in nutritional education and planning.