The Effect of Manufactured Headguard Exercises on Developing Trunk Speed in the Evasiveness Skill for Young Boxers

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of exercises implemented using a custom-manufactured headguard on developing trunk speed and evasiveness skills among young boxers. Evasiveness is considered a fundamental defensive technique that requires exceptional speed and precise trunk control. The importance of this study stems from the necessity of utilising innovative and effective training methods to enhance the technical and physical capabilities of athletes, particularly in boxing, a sport demanding superior readiness to confront opponents across multiple rounds of bouts. The researcher applied an experimental approach with two equivalent groups (experimental and control), comprising a sample of eight young boxers aged 17–18 years. Targeted tests were used to assess trunk speed, motor accuracy, and performance endurance. A customised device was developed, consisting of a headguard linked to an elastic band and a weight (load). It was designed to strengthen the trunk muscles through alternating resistance movements that simulate defensive and offensive manoeuvres. Post-test outcomes revealed a clear superiority of the experimental group across all variables, confirming the efficacy of the exercises used in skill development. Notably, gains in performance endurance directly led to an improvement in motor accuracy, which is a vital element for landing accurate and impactful punches during a bout. The research concluded that assistive devices and contemporary training methods significantly contribute to raising the skill efficiency of young boxers. The researcher advocates integrating these exercises into the training routine, emphasising the importance of linking physical endurance with accuracy during the execution of defensive and offensive movements, to ensure the achievement of optimal competitive results.