Hand-to-hand skills, like shooting skills are perishable and must be practiced. As true professionals it is important to maintain that edge. Shadow boxing is a great way for boxers to stay sharp, and it can be great for officers, too. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about just throwing jabs, crosses and hooks. Most encounters don’t require those skills immediately and in fact developing good control skills will limit the use of those strikes.
Instead, I am suggesting practicing control techniques. This can be done in the privacy of your own home, Imagine your subject standing in front of you and practice applying an arm bar, gooseneck, handcuffing techniques, blocks and counterstrikes. This doesn’t replace practical training with a partner, but it will help you to develop muscle memory and increase your response time to a threat. Shadow training done several times a week will serve as a good workout and skill developer. True professionals seek to have the advantage in all aspects, so take advantage of some free time and sharpen your skills with some shadow training. Practice makes better.