COMPLETE COACHING: Ring seconding/the Cornerman

COACHING SKILLS:  By Brian W. Zelley, B. Com., CA

There are many types of boxing coaches and trainers with a wide
variety of ring skills.  For amateur boxing there are plenty of
coaches with various levels of completion of coaching levels
from basics to  advanced skills.


In December 1983, I wrote and article with the heading
"Jabs, Hooks and Crosses" which appeared in the
January 1984 issue of the "BC Amateur Boxing News".


The first part of the article dealt with stance and footwork
and balance.  The next part dealt with coaching problems,
and the last part dealt with coaches and some requirements
to be a complete coach/trainer. That part is as follows:


RING SECONDING: A QUALITY OF A GOOD COACH:
"No coach is expected to be an expert in all aspects of boxing.
In my opinion, the basic skills required to be a first class coach
include conditioning of boxers, teaching skills, and
ring seconding skills.


*Ring seconding skills can be sub-divided into
**physical aspects required to ensure the boxer obtains the 
maximum rest including proper sitting techniques for the 
boxer, the correct application of water and giving the boxer
enough breathing room;

**communication skills required to inform the boxer of
'important instructions' at the proper time between rounds
of the contest; and

**analytical skills to observe the strengths and weaknesses of
each of the competitors.


A very important part of ring seconding is co-ordinated teamwork
by the chief seconder and the assistant.


Two serious errors by cornermen are
excess water  and excess talking


The best method of improvement is self-study by observing and
thinking about the results of your work.  Like good boxing,
good coaching comes from study and practice.