Porter Boxing System

Abstract

A training system that teaches all aspects of boxing that a student should know. The system provides a method of notification to assist student boxers in learning how to properly position their feet legs and lower body, and how to maintain control of the ring while maneuvering an opponent into a position where they can be defeated. The invention improves on conventional training with a system that provides immediate feedback during footwork drills in combination with cones that train a boxer in the best position for their lower body during training, such that they instinctively position their feet and lower body during actual subsequent boxing matches. The system also teaches students how to control the ring and maneuver opponents into desired locations in the ring.

Claims

1. A method of training boxers, including the steps of: positioning a plurality of cones to establish boundaries for footwork during training; and practicing movements with the established boundaries such that the movements do not exceed the boundary limits set by the cones; whereby the boxer learns proper lower body placement by practicing movement established boundaries defined by the cones.

2. A method, as in claim 1, including the additional step of using movable cones to accommodate individuals having different body sizes.

3. A method, as in claim 1, including the additional step of positioning at least two of the cones on opposite sides of the boxer to define the extent of lateral movement.

4. A method, as in claim 4, including the additional steps of positioning al least one cone in front of the boxer to define the extent of forward movement.

5. A method, as in claim 1, including the additional steps of positioning: a plurality of groups of cones arranged in front of one another such that each group has two cones to define the limits of lateral movement; and each group of cones has at least one forward cone to define the limits of forward movement whereby the boxer trains in recurring lateral and forward movement within the boundaries defined by the cones.

6. A method, as in claim 5, including the additional steps of spacing the groups of cones such that the boxer has sufficient space to move laterally from side to side while moving from one group to the next.

7. A method, as in claim 1, including the additional step of using a cone that activates an alarm when the boxer exceeds the boundaries established by the cones.

8. A method, as in claim 7, wherein the alarm is activated by a motions detector.

9. A method, as to claim 8, wherein the alarm includes a lamp to indicate that motion was detected.

10. A method, as in claim 8, wherein the alarm includes an audible alarm to indicate that motion was detected.

11. A method, as in claim 10, wherein the alarm includes a lamp to indicate that motion was detected.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of a cone used by the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of a cone used by the invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view of a boxer practicing a lateral motion drill in front of a conc.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a boxer practicing a red light, green light motion drill between three cones.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a boxer practicing a serpentine motion drill between a plurality of cones.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which the cone includes a motion sensor and alarm that sets off an alarm when the cone is moved by contact with the boxer.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the motion sensor and alarm shown in figure S.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a boxer using the Triangle Ring Movement.

[0014] FIG. 8A illustrates a boxer taking control of the center of the ring using the Cross Ring Movement

[0015] FIG. 8B illustrates a boxer, using the Cross Ring Movement, in which the boxer moves forward to force the opponent toward one of the ropes.

[0016] FIG. 8C illustrates a boxer, using the Cross Ring Movement, in which the boxer withdraws to the ring's center with the opponent following the boxer to the center of ring. The boxer then pivots which forces the opponent to also pivot so that the opponent is then backed up to a different rope.

[0017] FIG. 8D illustrates a boxer, using the Cross Ring Movement, after the boxer and opponent have withdrawn to the ring's center, the boxer then pivots which forces the opponent to also pivot, forcing the opponent to back up to rope where the opponent is again attacked.

[0018] FIG. 9A illustrates a boxer using the X Ring Movement with the boxer moving to the ring center and taking control of it.

[0019] FIG. 9B illustrates a boxer using the X Ring Movement to force the opponent to rotate by using jabs and cross punches to force the opponent into one of the corners.

[0020] FIG. 10A illustrates the Box Ring Movement, in which the boxer takes position in the center of ring and then then engages the opponent to move the opponent to the one of the quadrants illustrated in the figure.

[0021] FIG. 10B further illustrates the Box Ring Movement. In this movement, the ring is divided into four imaginary quadrants. After the In FIG. 10A, the boxer takes position in the center of ring. In FIG. 10B, the boxer then engages the opponent by using jabs and hooks to move the opponent to one of the quadrants. As a result the Box Ring Movement effectively reduces the size of the ring to a quadrant which in turn reduces the opponent's ability to maneuver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] For case of discussion, the term Boxer will be used to describe not only boxers, but also include other martial arts disciplines including karate, tai kwan do, judo, and mixed martial arts.

[0023] Prior to a discussion of the training system disclosed herein, we will first provide a listing of the general terms used in the training program. They are as follows:

Boxing System Terminology

[0024] The following general terms are used by the boxing system disclosed herein: [0025] 1. Green: A brand new boxer or a boxer with limited experience. [0026] 2. Move Around. Slang word for sparring. [0027] 3. Headhunter: A boxer who throws punches to the head of the opponent. [0028] 4. Body Snatcher: A boxer who throws punches predominately to the body of their opponent. [0029] 5. Get behind your stick; To use the jab effectively as your main and leading punch. [0030] 6. Sit on your punch: To throw your punches from your hips, legs, and your entire body. [0031] 7. Flat Footed: To be moving on or primarily from your heels. [0032] 8. Head Movement: To move your head from left to right, ap and down, or in a circular or a shape motion by bobbing, weaving, or ducking. [0033] 9. Bodywork: To punch primarily to your opponent's arms and torso. [0034] 10. Dog Fight: Two boxers who are sparring or boxing overly aggressive. [0035] 11. Shoeshine: To throw multiple punches at your opponent's head and body without having a lot of power behind your punches. [0036] 12. Slugging: To throw one punch at a time with a lot of power behind it. [0037] 13. Brawling: To throw and exchange power punches in combinations with your opponent with total disregard for your safety. [0038] 14. Power Punch: Any punch thrown with a lot of power behind it. Usually the cross, hook, and the uppercut are the main punches considered to be power punches. [0039] 15. Pot Shot: One solid punch landed on your opponent one punch at a time. It is used mostly as a counter punch. Example: Floyd Mayweather's straight right aka the cross punch. [0040] 16. The Boxing Triangle: The imaginary line which runs from the top of your head to your left/right shoulder then across the top of your chest to the other left/right shoulder. [0041] 17. The Fighter's Pyramid: The imaginary line which runs from the top of your head to down to your right foot then across to your left foot then back up to the top of your head.

Motion Related Terminology

[0042] An important skill in boxing or any other martial art is the ability to properly control how your body is positioned and how it moves. This is important because if the boxer's body is not properly positioned, and the body's motion is not properly controlled, the boxer will not be able to maintain balance to effectively punch his opponent or to effectively block his opponent.

[0043] The system disclosed herein uses the following terms to describe specific types of motion: [0044] 1. Blocks [0045] i. Pock a Boo [0046] ii. Half Peek a Boo [0047] iii. Telephone [0048] iv. Football [0049] v. Speakbar [0050] 2. Parries [0051] i. lowward [0052] i. Coaching [0053] iii. Downward [0054] 3. Head Movement [0055] i. Slipping [0056] ii. Bobbing [0057] iii. Weaving [0058] iv. Ducking [0059] 4. Defensive Movement [0060] i. Rolling [0061] ii. Dipping [0062] 5. 4. Footwork [0063] i. Double stepping Dipping [0064] ii. Single stepping [0065] iii. Pivoting [0066] iv. Shuffling [0067] v. Boxer's bounce

Certification Colors

[0068] The training system disclosed herein is a step-by-step process that takes a novice boxer with limited or no skills and trains each student 1 step at a time. The training system uses colors to describe the certification level achieved by a particular student. To indicate a student's progress, and to encourage them to work their way through the various stages of training the system uses color coded certifications similar to other martial arts training programs, such as karate or taekwondo. In the training program, each student must learn all of the material required for that certification level before proceeding to the next certification level. The color levels are as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 1. Yellow 2. Blue 3. Green 4. Orange 5. Purple 6. Red 7. Black

[0069] The following describes the skills needed to be mastered by each student for each certification level:

Yellow Certification

[0070] This certification as the starting point for all students wishing to master the sport of boxing. [0071] 1. Punches [0072] i. The student must have knowledge of all 4 punches. [0073] ii. The student must properly punch the jab and cross punches correctly in a single punch form and in a combination. [0074] iii. The student must properly punch both punches on the focus mitts. [0075] iv. The student must properly punch both punches on the heavy bag. [0076] v. The student must properly punch both punches while moving. [0077] 2. Footwork [0078] i. The student must have knowledge of all 4 punches and the footwork associated with each. [0079] ii. The student most properly execute Double Stepping. [0080] iii. The student must properly execute Single Stepping: (A) [0081] Directional (B) Switch (C) Baby Steps. [0082] 3. Blocks. [0083] i. The student must properly execute a Peek a Boo (full) block. [0084] ii. The student must properly execute a Half a Peek a Boo block; [0085] iii. The student must properly execute a Telephone block. [0086] iv. The student must properly execute a Smother block. [0087] v. The student must properly execute a Football block. [0088] [0089] 4. Stance. Stances are a critical skill for boxers and that proper a stance is necessary for maintaining balance during in a boxing match current [0090] i. The student must properly execute an Orthodox stance. [0091] ii. The student must properly execute a Southpaw stance. [0092] iii. The student must properly demonstrate the ability to remain on the balls of the student's feet when moving. [0093] iv. The students must show good even balance in their stance. [0094] v. The students must display proper foot spacing and foot alignment. [0095] 5. Boxing Equipment [0096] i. The student must know how to wrap their hands correctly, [0097] ii. The student must know how to jump rope properly.

Blue Certification

[0098] In this certification level, the student builds apon what was learned in the previous certification level to correctly practice the following additional skills. [0099] 1. Punches [0100] i. The student must properly throw a book punch from the student's lead band. [0101] ii. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's lead hand on the focus mitts. [0102] iii. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's lead hand on the heavy bag. [0103] iv. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's lead hand while moving. [0104] v. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's lead hand after punching with a jab and cross punch. [0105] 2. Footwork [0106] i. The student most probably demonstrate the ability to Pivot while moving in the ring. [0107] ii. The student most probably demonstrate the ability to shuffle while moving in the ring. [0108] 3. Blocks. The student must demonstrate the ability to use the following types of blocks [0109] i. Shield. [0110] ii. Inside parry. [0111] iii. Downward parry. [0112] iv. Ball parry. [0113] Stance. The student must demonstrate the ability to maintain balance by using the following stances. [0114] i. Being on the balls of the student's feet. [0115] ii. Showing good balance in the student's stance. [0116] iii. Show proper foot alignment and spacing while moving and staying in the student's stance. [0117] 4. Boxing Equipment [0118] i. Using the Everlast and hyper flexbag correctly.

Green Certification

[0119] This certification level expands on the student's knowledge of punching, footwork movement, blocks and head movement. [0120] 1. Punches [0121] i. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's power hand. [0122] ii. The student most properly throw a hook punch from the student's power hand on the focus mitts. [0123] iii. The student must properly throw a hook a punch from the student's power hand on the heavy bag. [0124] iv. The student must properly throw a hook punch from the student's power band while moving. [0125] v. The student must properly throw a book punch from the student's power hand after the 1, 2, 3 combination [0126] 2. Footwork [0127] i. The student must properly demonstrate the Boxer's Bounce. [0128] ii. The student must properly demonstrate moving with all 5 styles of footwork. [0129] 3. Blocks. [0130] i. The student must properly demonstrate putting blocks together in a combination. [0131] 4. Head Movement [0132] i. The student must properly demonstrate Ducking. [0133] ii. The student must properly demonstrate Slipping. [0134] 5. Boxing Equipment [0135] i. The student must properly demonstrate the ability to use the Ringside Cobra Reflex Bag.

Orange Certification

[0136] This certification level is directed to specific types of punches, footwork and head movement combinations. [0137] 1. Punches [0138] i. The student must properly throw an uppercut from the student's lead hand. [0139] ii. The student must properly throw an uppercut to the focus mitis. [0140] iii. The student must properly throw an uppercut to the heavy bag. [0141] iv. The student must properly throw an uppercut while moving. [0142] v. The student must properly throw an uppercut after the items i-iv. [0143] 2. Footwork Combinations [0144] i. Footwork combinations with punches and blocks. [0145] ii. Blocking combinations with punches. [0146] 3. Head Movement. [0147] i. Bobbing. [0148] ii. Ducking. [0149] 4. Boxing Equipment [0150] i. The student must properly demonstrate the ability to use the Maize Ball.

Purple Certification

[0151] This certification level focuses on learning the following skills. [0152] 1. Punches [0153] i. Properly throw an uppercut from the student's power hand individually and after the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 combination. Properly do this on the focus mitts, heavy bag, and in shadow boxing. [0154] ii. The student must learn the punch codes. [0155] iii. The student must perform punch combinations with the punch codes. [0156] 2. Footwork. [0157] i. Footwork combinations with punches and head movement blocks. [0158] ii. Blocking combinations with punches and head movement and footwork. [0159] 3. Head Movement [0160] i. Weaving. [0161] 4. Boxing equipment. The student must learn how to properly use the following items. [0162] i. The students must punch correctly on the focus mitts and body shield. [0163] ii. The student must punch correctly with the wheel shield. [0164] iii. The student must punch correctly with big body shield. [0165] iv. The student must Shadow box in the ring with the spider bag.

Red Certification

[0166] 1. Shadow Boxing [0167] i. Shadow boxing in the ring using the ring correctly. [0168] ii. Shadow boxing with hand weights for multiple rounds. [0169] 2. Sparring [0170] i. Proper body sparring with a coach. [0171] ii. Understand Roving terminology. [0172] iii. Learn the four ring control styles.

Black Certification

[0173] This certification level requires that the student understand and demonstrate the ability to do the following. [0174] 1. Punches [0175] i. The student must demonstrate the ability to use punch combinations fluidly on all boxing equipment (heavy bag, punch shields, focus mitts, etc.). [0176] ii. The student must demonstrate the ability to use punch combinations with movement and defensive combinations with head movement while shadow boxing. [0177] 2. Defensive Movement [0178] i. Dipping your shoulders. [0179] ii. Rolling your shoulders, [0180] 3. Sparring [0181] i. 12 rounds of body sparring [0182] ii. 20 rounds of full sparring [0183] 4. Boxing Knowledge [0184] i. The student must have knowledge and understanding of all boxing terminology and concepts. [0185] ii. The student must be familiar with all boxing styles. [0186] iii. The student must understand all of the four movements to cut off the ring. [0187] iv. The student must be familiar with and understand the entire Boxing System and the Boxing curriculum. [0188] v. The student must be familiar with the different types of boxing equipment in any boxing gym.

Motion Feedback Equipment

[0189] Having discussed the terminology and different skill levels required to reach each certification level, we turn now to equipment and methods used to hone the student's skills in regard to foot and body movement, and how those foot and body movements allow a boxer to control not only his own movement, but also the movement of bis opponent. When training students in the art of boxing, a great deal of the equipment is directed to development of arm and body strength, as well as how to make the most effective punches and how to most effectively block the adversary's punches. However, maintaining position and properly maintaining body balance in a given situation is equally as important as punching. A particularly important skill is the ability to control the ring. As a result, sometimes the more capable and stronger boxer will lose control of the ring because the boxer's opponent has better control of foot placement and lower body movement. The invention provides training devices that allow boxers to instinctively position their feet and body properly, and further provides techniques to control the position of the boxer's opponent in the ring.

[0190] By training boxers to automatically control their position they will avoid being caught off balance in the ring.

[0191] The invention uses cones to train a boxer to keep foot moments within predetermined limits. The cones are used to assist the boxer in learning the proper placement of their feet. One or more cones may be used depending on the type of motion the boxer is practicing.

[0192] FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a preferred embodiment of the cone 1 used by the invention. In figures IA a side view of cone 1 is shown, and in FIG. 1B a top view of cone 1 is shown. For ease of illustration, the cones 1 are shown having a pyramidal form. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that cone 1 can take any suitable shape so long as it is suitable for its purpose.

[0193] Features 2-4 illustrate the types of motion a boxer 2 would use in the ring.

[0194] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view of a boxer 2 practicing a Lateral Motion Drill behind cone 1. Only a single cone 1 is needed when practicing the Lateral Movement Drill. The boxer 2 shifts laterally such that one foot is positioned behind the cone 1, and then the boxer 2 shifts to the other direction such that the other foot is positioned behind the cone 1. As the boxer 2 moves from side to side along lateral path 3, the use of a single cone 1 provides a visual reference point to indicate to the boxer 2 that the boxer 2 has moved too far or not far enough. With enough practice, the boxer 2 does not have to think about foot placement as it becomes automatic. As a result, the boxer 2 can concentrate on punching and blocking without being distracted by footwork. In addition, because the cones 1 are movable, they are preferably positioned to accommodate the physical size of each boxing trainee.

[0195] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a boxer 2 practicing what is referred to as a Red Light, Green Light Drill while using three cones 1. In a Red Light, Green Light Drill, the boxer 2 practices lateral motion along line 3 while intermittently moving forward along line 4. In this configuration, three cones 1 would be used with two rear cones 1 used to establish the limits of lateral motion in combination with a third cone 1 that defines the limit of forward motion. This helps the boxer 2 practice staying within the triangle that covers both lateral and forward motion without exceeding the preferred limits of motion.

[0196] In FIG. 4, a Serpentine Motion Drill is illustrated, a plurality of cone 1 groups are positioned in a forward/rearward line. The purpose of the Serpentine Motion Drill is to aid the boxer 2 to practice moving side by side while continuously moving forward. In this drill, as soon as the boxer 2 completes Step A, the boxer 2 then steps sideways to the side of the cone 1 and moves forward to Step B. When Step B is complete, the boxer 2 then moves laterally to the side of cone 1 and moves forward to Step C where the process is repeated. The formation of the cones 1 assists the boxer 2 while training to use movement in a predetermined configuration. For ease of discussion, only three steps A-C are illustrated, however, those skilled in the art will recognize any desired number of steps can be used.

[0197] In all of the foregoing drills, the cones 1 serve the purpose of giving the boxer 2 feedback when the boxer 2 oversteps motion limits during practice. Those skilled in the art realize that the simplest embodiment of the invention uses a simple cone structure in which helps the boxer 2 to recognize when he has overstepped proper positioning limits by making physical contact with a cone 1.

[0198] Alternative embodiments, discussed below in regard to FIGS. 5-6, provide integral alarms incorporated into the cones 1 which have audio or visual indicators such as buzzers or lamps that are activated when the cone 1 detects motion caused by contact between the boxer 2 and the cone 1. As with any athletic activity, the feedback provided by the cones 1 trains the boxer 2 to automatically control his lateral or forward motion. As a result, the boxer 2 can better maintain balance and focus attention on the Boxer's 2 opponent.

[0199] By practicing with the cones 1, the boxer 2 learns to move the proper distance reflexively, thereby avoiding mistakes that may lead the boxer 2 to be off balance. The number of cones 1 vary depending on what movement the boxer 2 is practicing. For example, in a Lateral Movement Drill the boxer 2 needs only a single cone 1. In this configuration, the boxer 2 would begin with one foot behind the cone 1 and then moves laterally so that the other foot is behind the cone 1. In the Red Light, Green Light Drill, three cones 1 are used to train for both lateral and forward/backward motion/Likewise, in the Serpentine Motion Drill, three cones 1 are used for each step of the drill to train the boxer 2 to stay within the limits of motion while continuing to move forward. With enough practice, the boxer 2 does not have to think about foot placement as it becomes automatic. As a result, the boxer 2 can concentrate on punching and blocking without being distracted by footwork.

[0200] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which the cone 1 includes a motion sensor 5 that sets off an alarm 7 (shown in FIG. 6) when the cone 1 is moved by contact with the boxer 2. The alarm 7 is an optional feature which ensures that the boxer 2 is notified when the boxer's 2 motion has passed outside of the predetermined range. It would be easy for a boxer 2 to not notice when contact is made with the cone 1 because of the speed and exertion during the training session. The motion sensor 6 and alarm 7 reduce the possibility that this will happen.

[0201] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4. This figure shows the motion sensor 6 which detects when the cone 1 moves. The motion sensor 6 then activates the alarm 7 which notifies the boxer 2. The alarm 7 can include a lamp 8, and/or an audible alarm 9. The figure also illustrates the Power Supply 10 which can be any suitable power source, but in the preferred environment it is preferably a battery.

[0202] As can be seen, the invention provides multiple ways to help individual boxers 2 learn how to instinctively control their lower body and properly control footwork. By teaching boxers 2 to properly control position and balance, the invention allows the boxer 2 to better focus on their opponents

Ring Movements

[0203] The foregoing sections described the initial training process which begins with foot placement and motion. An important skill in boxing is the ability to control the ring 11 by controlling where the opponent 16 can move, because limiting the opponent's ability to move often determines the outcome of a boxing match.

[0204] The next step in the process is training a boxer 2 how to control the ring ability of a boxer 2 to limit the space available to the opponent 16. In particular, the four movements discussed below are designed to do just that. This section describes four movements directed to control of the ring, and especially control of the center of the ring by the boxer 2 at the beginning of engagement with their opponent 16. The movements use shifts in position by the boxer 2 by leg movements that make the opponent respond by moving in the desired direction.

[0205] An important skill that facilitates ring control by the boxer 2 is control of the boxer's 2 lower body and foot placement. Learning those skills is facilitated by training with the cones 1, along with the movements that are practiced using the cones, as discussed above. By practicing proper lower body placement along with proper foot placement, the boxer 2 can focus on upper body moves such as punching, jabbing and parrying with being distracted by lower body motions.

[0206] Each movement begins with the boxer 2 moving to the center of the ring 11 and taking control of it. By using the following ring movements, the boxer 2 can back the opponent into a defensive position where the boxer 2 can defeat the opponent 16.

[0207] Those skilled in the art will recognize that while a boxer 2 may begin a match using a particular movement, a skilled boxer 2 may switch from one movement type to another based on the boxer's 2 judgment of the opponent's 16 strengths or weaknesses. The four ring movements disclosed herein are as follows:

1The Triangle Ring Movement

[0208] FIG. 7 illustrates the Triangle Ring Movement, the ring 11 is divided into four imaginary triangles 12-15. At the beginning of the match, the boxer 2 moves to the center of the ring 11. Each triangle 12-15 has one point in the ring's center and two points on adjacent corners of the ring's rope. In this movement, the boxer's 2 strategy is to keep the opponent 16 in a triangle shaped funnel and limit the opponent's ability to move.

[0209] As the match proceeds, the boxer 2 steps forward to make the opponent 16 back on toward the rope, and then gradually forcing the opponent 16 to move toward the corner of the triangle. Once in the corner, the boxer 2 begins to punch and jab the opponent 16.

[0210] In this figure, the goal of the boxer 2 is to position the boxer's 2 body to prevent the opponent 16 from moving out of the triangle 15. However, if the opponent 16 is able to break out of the triangle, the boxer 2 then withdraws to the ring center and switches to an adjacent triangle and repeats the process, until the opponent 16 is trapped in a corner. Once trapped, the boxer 2 continues to punch and jab the opponent 16 until the match is won.

2The Cross Ring Movement

[0211] FIGS. 8A-D illustrate the Cross Ring Movement.

[0212] In FIG. 8A, boxer 2 takes control of the center of the ring 11. In this movement, after boxer 2 controls the center of the ring 11, the boxer 2 moves forward along line 25, as shown in FIG. 88. This forces the opponent 16 toward one of the ropes 21-24. In this illustration, the opponent 16 is moved to rope 24. The boxer 2 then proceeds to attack the opponent 16.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 8C, boxer 2 then withdraws to the ring's center along line 26. The opponent 16 will then follow the boxer 2 to the center of ring 11. At that point they reengage. The boxer 2 then pivots which forces the opponent 16 to also pivot so that the opponent 16 is then backed up to a different rope, in this example, rope 21.

[0214] In FIG. 8D, the boxer 2 then repeats the process by moving forward along line 26, forcing the opponent 16 to back up to rope 21 where the opponent 16 is again attacked. The process is repeated until the opponent 16 is forced to back up into all four ropes 21-25.

[0215] Maintaining control of the center of ring 11 is key to winning the match using this strategy. Likewise, training with the cone 1 system described above enables the boxer 2 to more effectively control of the boxer's 2 lower body and foot placement which is key to controlling the center of the ring 11.

3The X Ring Movement

[0216] As was the case with the previous two movements, the X Ring Movement begins with the boxer 2 moving to the ring center and taking control of it as shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the boxer 2 then forces the opponent 16 to rotate by using jabs and cross punches to force the opponent 16 toward one of the corners 27-30, in this example corner 30. Once the opponent 16 is in corner 30, the boxer 2 starts jabbing, punching, etc. The boxer 2 back off to the ring center. When the opponent returns to the center of ring 11, the boxer 2 uses jabs and hooks to torn the opponent 16 to the next corner 27 or 29. The process is repeated until the opponent 16 is moved into all 4 corners 27-30. This movement, like the others depends on controlling the center of the ring 11. Likewise, controlling the opponent's movement depends on the boxer's 2 ability to control lower body positioning and footwork that is in toro optimized by training with the cones 1.

4The Box Ring Movement

[0217] FIGS. 10A-B illustrate the Box Ring Movement. In this movement, the ring is divided into four imaginary quadrants 31-34. In FIG. 10A, the boxer 2 takes position in the center of ting 11. The boxer 2 then engages the opponent 16 by using jabs and hooks to move the opponent to the one of the quadrants 31-34. As shown in FIG. 10B, once the opponent 16 is trapped in the quadrant 31, the boxer 2 begins punching and jabbing. If the opponent 16 tries to break out of quadrant 31, the boxer 2 uses hard pivots to contain the opponent in quadrant 31. If the opponent 16 is able to escape quadrant 31, the boxer 2 repeats the process to start over in a new quadrant. As a result, the Box Ring Movement effectively reduces the size of the ring 11 to a quadrant 31, 32, 33, or 34 which in turn reduces the opponent's 16 ability to maneuver.

[0218] The invention provides an improved apparatus and method for training boxers 2 to improve their body positioning, to improve their ability to control the center of the ring 11, and to improve their ability to control the movement of their opponents 16.

[0219] This invention provides a training system that improves a boxer's 2 footwork and lower body positioning through the use of a cone system that trains the boxer 2 to instinctively position the boxer's 2 lower body, which in turn allows the boxer 2 to concentrate on the opponent 16.

[0220] While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The types of materials used to fabricate the cones 1 can vary, the type of notification by the cones 1 can vary, and the types of ring control strategies can vary, etc. Therefore, the invention shall be limited solely to the scope of the claims.