Contact Games: Boxing – JSS3 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Boxing is mainly the art of self-defence. It is a sport in which two competitors try to hit each other with their glove-enclosed fists while trying to avoid each other’s blows. A referee supervises the bout, which is fought in rounds of one to three minutes.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what boxing is and describe briefly how it developed;
• name the two types of boxing and the four basic punches;
• list the basic defensive movements and the equipment used in boxing;
• state the major weight classes and the rules of boxing;
• name the officials in a boxing bout.

What is the history of boxing?

Fist fighting was first organised at the Olympic Games in about 688 BC. Only one fist is wrapped. Punches are directed mostly to the face with the wrapped fist, and the free hand is used as a shield for defence.

Boxing in the past resulted in bloody clashes, but it was revived in the 18th century in England. It became a working-class sport and prize fight, which attracted participants and spectators from the working class.

Modern boxing started in 1866 when the Marquess of Queensberry gave a new set of rules. These rules set 3-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between.

How is a boxing bout won?

A bout is supervised by a referee and is fought in a series of rounds of one to three minutes each. A boxer can win in these ways:

• Knock-out: the opponent is knocked down and cannot get up before the referee counts to ten.
• Technical knock-out: the opponent is considered too injured to continue the bout.
• Decision: if the fight is not stopped before an agreed number of rounds, the winner is decided by the referee or by the judges’ scorecards.

What are the types of boxing?

1. Amateur boxing
2. Professional boxing

What are the basic punches in boxing?

There are four basic punches in boxing:

1. The jab
2. The cross
3. The hook
4. The uppercut

How does a boxer defend?

There are several basic movements a boxer can use to block punches. These include:

1. Slipping
2. Bobbing
3. Blocking
4. Cover-up (with the gloves)
5. Clinching
6. Guard (low guard)
7. Footwork

What facilities and equipment are used in boxing?

1. A square ring measuring 24ft (7.3m)
2. Boxing gloves
3. Medicine balls
4. Headgear
5. Boxing shoes
6. Boxing robes
7. Jump ropes
8. Hand wraps
9. Focus pads
10. Boxing shorts
11. Speed bag
12. Tooth guard

What are the major classes of boxers?

What are the rules and regulations of boxing?

1. The use of feet is not allowed.
2. Injurious materials on the wraps are not allowed.
3. Boxers are not allowed to use holding tactics against their opponents.
4. Holding an opponent repeatedly can lead to a boxer being disqualified.
5. A bout is stopped if a boxer is seriously injured.
6. A punch that lands on the head or torso is awarded a point.
7. Boxers are not allowed to hit their opponents with their heads, shoulders, forearms or elbows.

Who are the officials in boxing?

There are four officials:

1. The referee
2. The timekeepers
3. Two scorers

Evaluation

1. Differentiate between professional and amateur boxers.
2. Which international body controls boxing?

Assignment

1. Mention the basic skills and techniques of boxing.
2. State three rules and regulations of boxing.