Sharp Shooter

 Utilizing distance, accuracy and stealth to his advantage, the sharpshooter is an integral component of today’s military and law enforcement tactical operations. Whether the offensive is launched from a hill several hundred yards away or the building across the street, it’s nearly impossible to defend against an expert whose precision all but assures him victory. The very same components that make the military or law enforcement sharpshooter an ominous foe also make the boxing sharpshooter a force to be reckoned with.

When integrating a sharpshooter’s assets into your boxing arsenal, there are many key points that you must consider. Athletes with speed and tall, slender physiques are usually best suited for this style. This comes into play since the jab is a sharpshooter’s key weapon.

The jab is used to maintain the distance between yourself and your opponent, while also keeping your opponent off balance. It should be thrown when you’re on the offensive and moving forward, as well as when your opponent is initiating the action and you’re moving backward. Like a football straight arm, you’ll be able to keep your opponent at arms length. By controlling your opponent with the jab, you will be able to sit back and pick your shots using speed and accuracy.

Your ring movement will obviously come into play, as you must be prepared to utilize the entire ring. Most people assume that using the ring only means dancing around the opponent in wide arcing circles. This is but one component of the strategy. Should you find yourself in close with your opponent or during any other opportune situation, good ring movement also entails sidestepping and pivoting around him. Using every maneuver available to you will enable you to both keep your opponent guessing and increase your angles from which to initiate offensives.

A good sharpshooter makes his foe pay every time he throws a punch. Whenever a punch is blocked, slipped or weaved it’s important that you counter with multiple punches and then reinstate your jab. All of your punches should be fully extended, thus maximizing your reach to the fullest.

Roy Jones Jr., with his lightning quick hands and undeniable accuracy, is the epitome of the sharpshooter, and his long reign at the championship level proves the effectiveness of the style. In 1993, Jones used the ring to evade punches, probed with his jab, expertly selected his shots, and then prepared for the next volley en route to winning the WBA Heavyweight Title against John Ruiz.

Being a sharpshooter requires that you combine accuracy, timing, speed, distance and movement. It’s a lot to incorporate, but when all the elements come together it’s beautiful to witness as a spectator and difficult to defend against as an opponent.
By Albert Guardado Jr

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