Short-Term Effects of a Structured Boxing Program on Technical Skill Acquisition in Novice Female Students

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Motor Skill Acquisition
• Combat Sports Pedagogy

Background:

• Limited research exists on technical skill acquisition in combat sports for novice female university students.
• Growing interest in combat sports within higher education necessitates further investigation.
• This study addresses the gap by examining a structured boxing program's impact on female beginners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term structured boxing program on fundamental technical skill acquisition and retention in novice female university students.
• To assess the impact on specific boxing techniques: stance, straight punches, hooks, and uppercuts.
• To explore neuromuscular outcomes like handgrip strength and countermovement jump as secondary measures.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of novice female university students participated in a four-week structured boxing program.
• Technical performance (stance, straight punches, hooks, uppercuts) was assessed at baseline, post-program, and at a two-month follow-up.
• Customized scoring systems evaluated static and dynamic technical executions, alongside handgrip strength and countermovement jump measurements.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in all technical boxing skills were observed post-program compared to baseline (p < 0.001).
• Straight punches yielded higher scores than hooks and uppercuts; static execution surpassed dynamic.
• While a partial decline in skills occurred at follow-up, performance generally remained superior to baseline levels.

Conclusions:

• A short-term, structured boxing program effectively enhances technical boxing skills in female beginners.
• The findings support integrating boxing courses into university sport science curricula.
• Such programs can contribute to enhanced technical proficiency, motor development, and overall educational experience.