Walk in to any serious boxing gym, and you will see mirrors. Lots of them. Is this because boxers are narcissists who can't stop looking at themselves? Yes! But seriously, there is another reason.

The humble mirror is your friend. Like the best kind of friend, the mirror tells you home truths you don’t want to know. Practicing in front of a mirror gives you the unvarnished truth. If you drop your rear hand when you jab, you’ll see it. If you drop your lead hand delivering the cross, or throw a lazy jab, the mirror won't spare your feelings. 

Boxers and coaches use an endless feedback loop to polish and improve technique. If you are not aware of a fault, you can't address it. View any issue you see in the mirror as an opportunity not a weakness. Boxing is a sport of constant marginal gains which accumulate and make you better at your craft. If you have a place to train and can mount a mirror, please do so. 

Using the mirror

In the early stages of learning, the mirror is a godsend. When you learn and drill new skills, I urge you to work through each one of them in front of the mirror first. As a visual aid, place a piece of tape in the centre of the glass at head height. This is a great way to see if you are moving your head as you throw punches.

You are never too skilled or experienced to use the mirror. Make it a central part of your training regime going forward.