Boxing Basics: The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing [Paperback]

Al Gotay MA MPS (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2008

The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing

The illustrations, explanations, and techniques presented in Boxing Basics provide everything needed to excel in the sport of boxing. Easy to follow explanations and illustrations introduce the reader to the sport by providing information on training equipment, types of boxing gyms, and how to get into fighting shape. The bulk of this boxing text is devoted to providing progressive steps in the learning of the sport of boxing. It begins by presenting the primary elements of boxing and ranges to advanced skills. The Instant Reference Guide is a special feature designed for busy persons. It provides fast-track references to the important points in every chapter. This publication can be used as a how-to reference guide for trainers as well as beginners.

"Some books just show you how to box, others just tell you. Still others do a little of both. With Boxing Basics, Professor Gotay becomes your personal trainer, teaching you step by step how to box. This is the most definitive ¿how to¿ boxing book I have ever seen."
- Randy Gordon, Former Editor-in-Chief of Ring Magazine;
Boxing Analyst for ESPN, USA Network, and the MSG Network;
and Chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission.
Presently the host of Fight Club, the popular Sirius Radio boxing talk show.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Book Review: "Some books just show you how to box, others just tell you. Still others do a little of both. With Boxing Basics, Professor Gotay becomes your personal trainer, teaching you step by step how to box. This is the most definitive "how to" boxing book I have ever seen". --Randy Gordon, Former Editor-in-Chief of Ring Magazine

Review

Everything you need to know about coaching boxing. As a lifetime educator and athlete I found this book an easy way to relate to the the sweet science of boxing. My background as an athlete was I was a Division I baseball player and a Division I AA All American football player. My coaching has focused primarily on these two disciplines. I am currently an assistant football coach and baseball coach at Sachem North Hight School on Long Island. I was looking for some cross training opportunities for my athletes. What better way to get great strength, cardiovascular work and toughness than through boxing. My main concern was to keep my athletes safe and I found this book to be a great tool for me to make sure I was teaching my athletes the proper techniques. I especially liked the easy step by step ways to teach each type of boxing move, whether it be a defensive clinch or an offensive punch combination. Many of my athletes wanted to spar, but they had no idea what had to be done before they could actually fight someone. I also thought the instant reference guide was an excellent way for me to prepare quickly before a training session. It is perfect for today's busy athlete/educator. I believe the cross training that is involved with boxing is huge. I am excited about finding a book that has allowed me to train my athletes correctly in order to take advantage of the many positive attributes of boxing. This is a great book for first timers getting their feet wet in the sport of boxing. It is clear, concise, and leaves nothing to chance

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Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (July 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432725068
• ISBN-13: 978-1432725068
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #214,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Boxing

More About the Author

Dr. Al Gotay was the commanding officer and chairperson of the Physical Education Unit of the New York City Police Department. He coordinated and developed boxing and self-defense training for the entire Department. Gotay has provided similar training for numerous agencies. He has been featured in martial arts magazines and he regularly promotes contests in which amateurs can test their fighting proficiency. He is a certified USA Boxing coach, prepares amateur fighters for competition, and has developed a successful model for credit-bearing college boxing courses. Gotay is an Assistant Professor of Physical Education in the City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MORE THAN JUST BASICS, October 21, 2008

By 

F. Melendez (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boxing Basics: The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing (Paperback)

The title Boxing Basics is an understatement, for this manual has way more than just the basics. Professor Gotay goes beyond to explain proper bodyfat percentages, the correct workout length, and detailed boxing rules for both amateur and pro. Additionally, the hand wrapping method provided is one of the best I've used. The sections on defense and styles of boxers were particularly helpful. If you pay attention to many pro fights and even MMA fights today, you will find that the loser was the one who had a bad foundation and did not adhere to the basics.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best boxing book!, October 27, 2008

By 

Hamilton Lao (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boxing Basics: The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing (Paperback)

After boxing for a little over a year I came to the realization that boxing is a sport full of intricate details and techniques. While many books have been written to try and cover the fine points, these books often leave the reader feeling incomplete or wanting to know more. "Boxing Basics" has the content to be considered the "full package" of boxing books. Everything and anything that has to do with the sport of boxing is considered, walked through, and explained through a crystal clear prose unmistakably found only from a college professor.

From boxing newbie to convenient boxer to seasoned veteran, "Boxing Basics" has something for everyone. Gym classifications, different fighter styles, ring strategies, and even the different weight divisions in boxing are explained. Alberto Gotay definitely leaves no stones unturned regarding the sport of boxing. Buying this book was a great investment and I will use the techniques outlined in this book for the rest of my boxing career.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fairly complete but it is basic, October 29, 2008

By 

R. Tkatch (Atlantic City, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boxing Basics: The Techniques and Knowledge Needed to Excel in the Sport of Boxing (Paperback)

This is a good book for boxing basics and if they had covered defense a bit better it would have rated 5 stars. It covers all the equipment that can be used for boxing, workouts, stance, basic punches and combinations,
and ring strategy.