Your chance at success or failure in boxing often hinges on your ability to find a good boxing coach along with the right gym. Whether you’re in a city like Las Vegas, Philadelphia, or New York, where boxing culture thrives, or you’re in a suburban area where gyms are sparse, this guide will help you make an informed decision. As someone who’s been in the game for years, I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way about finding the best environment to train and grow.
The Importance of a Good Boxing Coach
A good coach is more than just someone who yells at you to punch harder. A boxing coach is your mentor, trainer, and guide, so it’s important to know what to look for so you can find a good boxing coach. A great coach is someone who genuinely cares about your progress, pays attention to your development, and tailors your training to help you reach your goals. Finding the right coach may take time, but it’s worth the effort.
Assessing the Gym and Athletes
When scouting for a boxing gym, take a close look at the athletes who train there. Here are the main types of boxers you’ll find:
- Amateurs: Most gyms will have a mix of competing and non-competing amateurs. These are the people you’ll be working with during training, so spend time observing how they train and interact. If they encourage you to join, it’s usually a good sign that the coach and gym environment are solid.
- Pros: Pros tend to focus on their own training and might not socialize much. However, their presence can indicate a high level of coaching. Watch them for their technique and execution, but don’t engage unless they initiate conversation.
- Athlete/Coaches: Some skilled amateurs may take on coaching roles, helping with conditioning and gear. These individuals are valuable resources for beginner boxers. Don’t overlook them when evaluating a gym’s coaching talent.
- Supporting Members: People who are there for fitness, cross-training, or who have stopped competing can tell you a lot about the gym’s culture. Their presence often means the gym is a positive place to train.
Gym Affiliations and What They Mean
In your search to find good boxing coach, it’s crucial to know about gym affiliations. These affiliations show that the gym and coach are part of recognized boxing bodies that sanction training and competition.
- Amateur Boxing Affiliation: Look for a gym that’s registered with an official amateur boxing organization like USA Boxing in the U.S. This means the coach is likely connected to a network that supports legitimate competition. If a coach isn’t registered, make sure they have connections to affiliated coaches who are.
- Athletic Commissions: Professional boxing is overseen by athletic commissions, which handle fighter safety and medical checks. Any legitimate coach should know how these organizations operate, even if you’re just starting out as an amateur.
Types of Gyms to Consider
There are several types of gyms where you can find good boxing coaches, each with its strengths and weaknesses:
- Dedicated Boxing Gyms: These gyms are usually located in poorer urban areas and offer a no-nonsense environment for serious fighters. While they often have the best coaches and facilities, the quality can vary, and some may focus too much on hard sparring without proper guidance. Be cautious of “wolf-pit” gyms where beginners are used as punching bags.
- Community Boxing Teams: Some gyms operate under community centers like the YMCA or Police Athletic Leagues. These gyms are affordable and often have dedicated coaches who are passionate about developing young talent.
- MMA Gyms: Many MMA gyms now have top-tier boxing coaches on staff. While these gyms are often well-equipped, you need to ensure the boxing program is taken seriously and not just an afterthought. Look for a coach with boxing-specific experience and affiliations.
- Fitness Centers: Some fitness gyms host boxing trainers who cater to clients looking to learn the basics or stay fit. While these gyms might not focus heavily on competition, you can often find a good coach here for one-on-one training.
- Online Training: Although online training can’t replace the effectiveness of an in-person coach, it can help you work on weak areas of your game and give you direction. Some areas include training plans, drills to work on, and a review of your technique. The Precision Striking Membership can help you in those areas.
Key Attributes of a Good Boxing Coach
A good coach will embody several crucial traits that help you progress as a boxer:
- Encouragement: A good coach builds your confidence and motivates you to keep improving. They don’t just focus on your weaknesses; they help you rise to challenges by believing in your potential.
- Support: Boxing is tough, and you’ll face moments of self-doubt. A supportive coach recognizes when you’re struggling and knows how to breathe new life into you when you need it most.
- Counseling: Sometimes, a coach is more than just a teacher; they’re a mentor who helps guide your attitude and mindset. They believe in your potential even when you’re doubting yourself.
- Drilling Fundamentals: Boxing is about fundamentals. A good coach will drill you on these basics until they become second nature. This kind of coaching ensures you have a solid foundation to build upon.
- Challenging You: A coach who challenges you knows how to push you beyond your current limits, building your confidence and sharpening your skills. Whether it’s through intense sparring or technical drills, they’ll help you improve without overwhelming you.
- Management and Consistency: A good coach is methodical in your development. They don’t rush you into the ring before you’re ready, and they ensure you’re mastering one skill before moving to the next.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, not all coaches are good coaches. Here are some warning signs that should send you looking elsewhere:
- Rushed Sparring: If a coach pushes you into full-out sparring too soon, this is a major red flag. Proper training takes time, and early sparring can lead to injury or bad habits.
- Poor Sparring Practices: If you see boxers getting hit too hard or being used as punching bags, it’s a sign the gym doesn’t care about fighter safety or proper development.
- Quick Competition: If a coach wants to put you in competition after just a few months, especially if you’re a beginner, they might be reckless or more interested in quick results than your long-term safety and development.
- Ticket Selling: Coaches who push fighters to sell tickets for events are often more concerned about making money than your development as a boxer.
- Neglected Equipment: A coach who doesn’t care for the gym’s equipment—like leaving gloves on the floor or failing to maintain bags—probably won’t care about your development either.
Final Thoughts on How to Find a Good Boxing Coach
When it comes to boxing, you need a coach who genuinely cares about your progress and safety. Don’t settle for just any gym or coach—take the time to evaluate your options, talk to athletes, observe the environment, and trust your instincts. Your coach will play a huge role in your journey, so make sure you’re putting your health and future in good hands.
About the Author: Jason Van Veldhuysen
Jason Van Veldhuysen has been coaching boxing for the past 20 years and has been an online boxing coach for the past 15 years. He is the founder of the Precision Striking Youtube Channel (over 1 million subscribers), as well as the founder of the Precision Striking Membership, an exclusive program that helps fighters train to their highest levels while refining their boxing skills and technique. With years of experience as an amateur boxer and a passion for teaching, Jason specializes in footwork, combinations, and drills that elevate a boxer’s overall game. Known for his clear and practical training methods, Jason has helped boxers at all levels—from beginners to competitive fighters—reach their full potential.