Boxing develops fleetness of foot, weight con- trol, coordination, and the ability to successfully resist an attacking opponent. Properly taught and practiced, it develops self-control, cool, deci- sive thinking in emergencies, self-confidence, and courage. In addition, it is an excellent exercise for the development of strength, endurance, and agility. Boxing is a sport as old as the art of war itself, and provides in its elements of individual combat, a close parallel to the battle conditions that are faced today. The feint, the dodge, the counter- thrust, and the sudden devastating finishing blow, are as much a part of modern combat as they are of boxing. Instruction to beginners in the science of boxing should not start with actual boxing, as the participant is likely to learn more bad boxing habits than good ones. Rather, good instruction will begin with boxing movements in the form of

shadow boxing so that the fundamental offensive and defensive movements may be thoroughly learned. After that, the men should be paired for practice in certain defensive techniques until they have mastered the basic movements in combination. Only after this instruction has been completed should the men be permitted to box competitively. Boxing has been one of the most popular ath- letic activities of naval life. Boxing shows con- tinue to play a very significant part in the lives of naval personnel, officers and enlisted men alike. Attendance is always at a maximum, indicating the vital interest in the sport which, when prop- erly administered, can be developed into one of the most healthful means of recreation.

Lesson 3: Method of Delivery of Effective Blows.- Left jab (fig. 3). Straight left to head (fig. 3). Straight left to body (fig. 4). Left hook to head (fig. 5). Left hook to body (fig. 6). Left uppercut to boly (fig. 7). Straight right to head (fig. 8). Straight right to body (fig. 9). Right swing to head (fig. 10). Right uppercut to body (fig. 11). Right uppercut to jaw (fig. 12). Right cross counter (fig. 13). Lesson 4: Defenses Against Blows. Blocking straight left to head (fig. 14). Blocking left hook to head (fig. 15). Blocking left hook to body (fig. 16). Blocking straight right to head (fig. 17). Blocking right to body (fig. 18). this relaxation also gives the boxer better control of his body. Hands. The hands should be relaxed as much as possible so that the fist will not tire and lose its firmness. Fist should be tightened only at the moment of impact. When bandages are used they should be put on loosely so that hands can close without stopping circulation. Gloves. For competition 10-ounce gloves for middleweights (160 pounds) and all classes be- low; 12-ounce for all above middleweight. Only 12-ounce and 14-ounce gloves should be used for training and recreation bouts, Breathing. Breathing should be normal. Holding the breath for any reason should be discouraged. Footwork.-Footwork should be practiced regu- larly. Rhythmic shadow dancing to music will be found very beneficial in developing agility and coordination between hand action, footwork, and breathing. LESSONS IN FUNDAMENTALS In presenting each movement, the instructor should first demonstrate it, then explain its more important parts and lead the group to practice it. Lesson 1: Instruction in the Proper Make of a Fist. The fingers should be closed with the thumb folded over the index and middle finger (fig. 1(a), (b), ©). Lesson 2: Proper Stance. In the “boxing po- sition” the feet are in the “walk-stand” position, left foot one length of itself in front of the right, the heel of the right foot being on a line with the left foot (fig. 2 (a), (b)). The advanced foot should be pointing forward, flat on the ground, the right foot, toes out at a 70 degree angle. Both knees should be slightly bent with the weight of the body almost equally divided on both feet and all the muscles of the body relaxed. The boxer then has an easy, graceful carriage and can ma- nipulate his feet and legs in the quickest way possible. This permits development of the most graceful and efficient footwork. In the “boxing position” the left arm is ex- tended out turning the left side toward the opponent. The arm is slightly bent, hand on a level with the chin and not too tightly closed. The right arm is bent in front of the chest with the elbow guarding the liver and the hand open, palm out, guarding the chin. The position is easy and relaxed. The man should keep well guarded, be alert, and act quickly. The boxer should not be permitted to take position with right hand and foot forward, except as a definite part of a maneu- ver. Ambidexterity is not a valuable skill. On the contrary, changing from orthodox to south- paw stance can be very dangerous. Eyes. The boxer should be looking into op- ponent's face, being aware of every move op- ponent makes. The boxer should wait for his chance and when it comes act on it instantly and decisively. The instructor should put plenty of “snap” in every movement he executes and should inject this same spirit into every man in his company. The success of any boxing group depends on the quality and enthusiasm of instruction. Muscles. The muscles should be relaxed as much as possible in order to postpone fatigue;