By Robert Jackson: Training for the fight game comes in various forms; some Coaches are teachers they tell their charge what to do, the best way to do it and what the consequences will be. Other trainers preach form, and correct punching/fighting mechanics. Another type of coach stresses fighting tactically, with tuned skills based on the ever changing fight landscape, this type of coach expects his/her charge to be fluent with fighting fundamentals.
Technique Trainers are mostly found in the amateur ranks, but can also be found in the paid ranks. These trainers hone the bio-mechanical accuracy of a fighters style including fight form, balance and physical correctness of a fighters technique. Incorrect technique isn’t tolerated by such a trainer and his student is made to repeat incorrect movements over and over until they are correct. Technique trainers believe that fundamentally sound fighters are the key to championship pedigree. Technique Trainers believe tactics come from mastery and knowledge of correct fighting techniques. In the corner between rounds the technique trainer can be heard telling his charge you’re lowering your left hand that’s why you’re getting hit with the right hand – so raise that left hand, or you’re fighting off your back foot balance yourself on both legs.
Tactical Trainers expect their fighters to be well versed with fighting fundamentals to begin with, because their area of expertise advocates situational fighting and improvisation. Several scenarios for any situation are taught by the Tactical trainer and the student practices many of these for use against a given opponent. A tactical trainer is also familiar with known responses to a given technique or style and teaches his/her pupil various tactics to overcome an adversity. Tactical Trainers separate technique from tactics and believe that winning comes from improvisational skill and the many tactics that can be applied to situational fighting. The fundamentals are a prerequisite expectation to the Tactical Trainer. In the corner the tactical trainer will tell his charge: jab, step left, jab, to defend against and counter the right hand, or catch the left hook to the body on the right forearm then counter with the right uppercut followed by the left hook.
Two well known Technique Trainers are Emanuel Steward, and Freddie Roach, both of these guys stress balance and good punch technique. Both trainers also teach fighters the nuances of fighting based on good technique. Manny Steward is known for working with and improving fighters who have flaws in their fighting style. Wladimir Klitschko and Cornelius Bundrage have improved their technique dramatically under Steward’s tutelage. Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan have improved their technique under Roach’s teaching.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. and his brother Roger employ tactical, situational training methods for their fighters (in the paid ranks). Both expect that a fighter can do the basics and extend those fundamentals to include situational awareness and responses via various tactics. Floyd Sr’s work with Laila Ali, Chad Dawson and Joan Guzman saw them at the top of their fight game. Roger’s work with Floyd Jr is 2nd to none, their mitts routine simulates known tactics and responses to those tactics.