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Proactive Strike Boxing Drill – Mayweather Style

Using a feint to trigger an opponent is a vital aspect of successful counter punching especially when used alongside proactive defenses.

Body movements, for example slips, ducks and rolls, are all proactive boxing defenses. When you combine effective triggers with this type of defense you set your platform for real power punching in response.

In simple terms, you execute these boxing defenses with the assumption that a punch is coming back your way.

But.

You load the dice by using the feint to trigger the opponent’s punch.

The feint is useful because often a boxer’s reaction to an incoming punch is to throw a punch…It’s almost instinctive.

Of course this is not always the case.

Sometimes the opponent will try a defense…but it doesn’t matter.

Maybe they will throw a punch, maybe they won’t.

Point being that you still execute the defense then you launch your attack.

In the video I use the layback, a really sweet boxing defense (used extensively in boxing and used especially effectively by Floyd Mayweather Jr).

Proactive Strike

The layback builds up stored energy in your rear leg to really let rip with that right hand counter.

Solid. Effective. Reliable.

Build this type of boxing drill into your boxing training and you will see huge improvements.

Comments below.

Cheers

Fran

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{ 16 comments… add one }
  • Armando marin July 4, 2019, 6:14 pm

    Hi Fran, this drill is Fanstastic i’ll incorporate this in my routine, but i have a question do you think is possible to lay back while moving backwards in case im fighting a stronger opponent you know like fighting on the back pedal to counter and move out changing angles thax a lot your videos are awesome

    • Fran July 6, 2019, 2:59 pm

      Thanks Armando. Yes you can, but you will want to get shots off as well. The retreat and a pivot with a hook is often good against stronger opponents, takes you off the line of attack and still allows you to strike.

  • Andrew Komaki-Wood January 22, 2018, 6:06 am

    Hi Fran,

    I practice your stuff when I can and really enjoy trying to perfect it. Have learnt more from your online tutorials than over 2 years in a boxing gym that no longer exists (go figure). Breaking it down for those that don’t get it naturally is great, you rock.

    Thanks
    Andrew

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:12 pm

      Thanks very much Andrew…rally happy that you continue to find inspiration and insights in this stuff – well done for being disciplined in the application.

  • Justin January 21, 2018, 8:36 am

    A good positive counter would like your man to rotatate and step in with that jab. And like you said you have to make things happen and dictate instead of waiting. Great as usual mate.

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:12 pm

      Thanks Justin, I like that point of stepping in…good stuff.

  • Jason January 21, 2018, 7:02 am

    Thanks, Fran. Simple and golden, just like the previous drill.

    A believable feint sure works wonders – just ask Duran! I also always loved what fighters like Tszyu and Pirog would do with pawing lead hand feints and sudden explosions – seems to be a “Bloc” thing?

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:11 pm

      Yes Jason, that lead hand hanging out there like some kind of pendulum ready for the subsequent explosion. Good comment mate, thanks

    • Anton March 6, 2019, 7:42 pm

      Hey, it is a bloc thing. The soviet boxing school is built upon counter attacks and the provocation by feinting, and the counters are built with a quick pendulum step to them, like a feint 1 ,pendulum back as the opponent reacts – then pendulum back in with a hatd 1-2 . The also turn the left foot for more jab reach and power. Also note that classical bloc and soviet schools advise against the mid and near ranges, and always kind of wait for the opponent to move and then to counter so even a jab with both boxer moving can be deadly.

      • Fran March 10, 2019, 7:12 pm

        Great contribution – thanks Anton! So much of classical amateur boxing is built upon the Eastern Bloc style – has worked very well over a very long period of time!

  • Joe Martin January 21, 2018, 12:06 am

    You have been my coach for about 5 years now. The young guys at the gym think that I used to be a pro, but the truth is (and I tell them the truth) I had a few “Golden Glove” bouts in the late 70’s. My skill level has improved much in recent years because of what you teach and when I head for the locker room, they say,”Good-bye, Sir.” I’m 62 years old. That in itself causes me to look forward to my next work out. Thank you, my brother!
    “Smokin’, Joe”

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:10 pm

      That’s an awesome comment Joe. To be fair though, you’re the one who’s applying this in a disciplined and controlled way. Well done mate, I’m really proud that the stuff I produce continues to help you and contribute toward you being the coolest guy in the eyes of the younguns :-). Thanks Smokin’ Joe!!!

  • Chris Playfair January 20, 2018, 7:54 pm

    Hi Fran
    Great video as usual. We have been doing that a few weeks ago. Always good to see it like that.

    Thanks
    Chris.

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:08 pm

      Thanks Chris, glad you like it mate.

  • Chris January 20, 2018, 4:39 pm

    Love your stuff been boxing for about 2 years and still manage to learn new stuff from your videos would join your academy in a heartbeat just strapped for cash , always look forward to trying out your tips at the gym keep up the good work its a good format as often in the gym the coaches are too busy to go through moves with such detail !!!!!!

    • Fran January 22, 2018, 8:07 pm

      Thanks Chris, really glad this stuff helps.

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