In this most recent of the 90 Second Boxing Tips series I am going to cover 5 ways to stop punches hitting you in the head. Not sure about you, but for me that’s quite an important capability in a fight situation.
These blocks are all used at long range although one of them is all purpose in that it can be used at any range.
The defences that I demonstrate in this video are covered below.
1. The Double Arm Block
The most commonly used, most easy to use and ultimately the safest ‘block’ defence that you can use. This defence involves bringing the arms closer together and raising them so that the fingers touch the forehead just above the eyes. It is really important not to cover up your eyes because being ‘blind’ inside a boxing ring is never a good situatiion.
2. The Back Hand Block
This defence is specifically to prevent an incoming jab from hitting your face. This needs to be a firm arm, made firm by driving off the back foot. It’s pretty much like the drive off the back foot that you use when throwing a back hand, but you use the block instead of the punch. Don’t reach out, make sure that you block the shot immediately in front of your face.
3. Back Hand Parry
Similar to the block but rather than ‘catching’ the incoming punch in the palm of your hand you actually deflect the incoming shot by striking the opponent’s arm on the ‘outside’ of their wrist (assuming a jab from an orthodox opponent). Similar to the block also, be efficient. Make sure your parrying hand does not move too far from your face.
4 and 5. The Lead and Block and Lead Hand Parry
These defences would be used against the incoming back hand of an orthodox opponent. However, they are much more likely to be a solid defence against an opponent of an opposing stance. So, if you are orthodox then these defences will be very effective against the jab of a southpaw opponent and vice versa if you are a southpaw.
Ensure that you are efficient when using these defences and that you are not leaving bigger gaps in your own defence. Also, ALWAYS FIRE BACK. You are in range so let the shots go!!!
That is all.
Any comments then let me know below.
Cheers
Fran
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Nice show . very helpful for my students
dear Fran, what about the “crossed arms defense ” (used for example by A. Moore, G. Foreman, J. Frazier, K. Norton ) ?
Works well against taller opponents Paolo but seems to have gone out of fashion.
I could not coach that in the amateurs, I don’t think it suits the high pace.
Thanks for such a great video. Very clear and on point demonstration for beginners like me to understand
Cheers Mike, hope your online stuff is progressing well.
Thank you for making this, it’s helped me out a lot. But what would be recommended for blocking/countering an aggressive fighter such as a brawler?
Just take half a step back as you block and fire back. Maintain the distance, no harm in retreating as long as you exact a price 🙂
That’s a really important reminder about backing up. I have learned to be careful about backing up, and not taking multiple steps back. Instead, whenever possible, I prefer to take one step back and then immediately step or pivot to the side. If I do it quickly enough, I am in a good position to punch the other guy, and I’m in a fairly safe position (momentarily) where he can’t hit me back right away.
Hi Steven
Yes, there’s always good sense in combining backwards movement with angle changes…the pivot being especially effective and as you rightly say provides a great platform to launch your own attack👍
Great post. I use the front hand parry and double arm block a lot. Need to start getting used to using some of the other methods you described. Thanks for the good read!
You are welcome Kamal, thanks for the feedback.[
Nice tips Fran! I like the reminder to follow up with the counter. It’s something I’ve been guilty of not doing in the past.
I’m actively working on it when sparring now and my favourite counter is downward parrying the jab and leading straight into a cross. Works like a charm 😉
Cheers Jamie. Need to be fast on that same hand parry/counter, it’s a cool passage though. Your site’s coming on well by the way.
Fran, what’s your thoughts on ‘first line of defence’? Some people say hands, some say feet. Always slightly subjective like most Things! I know GB say Hands as first line, then trunk, then feet. What’s your thoughts?
Hey Adam.
What a question mate! I guess for me it depends on the situation. If the boxer is in a ‘defensive mindset’ i.e. holding the ground, allowing the opponent to lead off, then I would go with the GB approach based upon the fact that the hand defences are ‘reactive’ and can be in response to what the opponent does. If on the other hand the boxer is in a more active mindset, looking to initiate the engagement and trigger the opponent then I would be inclined to view the body movement and footwork being the primary defence elements ahead of hands. The latter mindset to me is the more common one in modern sport.
Superb question mate, one that only a fellow coach would pose 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to contribute Adam, I very much appreciate it and I hope that my answer makes sense!
Thanks Fran. I suppose you’d have to careful that your opponent doesn’t feint their jab to get you raise to your hands that little bit to do the double arm block and then they sink a straight backhand into the body.
Great video Fran. Thanks. When you do the double arm block the body seems very open because you’ve raised your hands slightly. Is there anything you can do to counteract this? Maybe crouch down slightly in your stance so that your elbows cover at least part of your body?
You can crouch Kenny, but key is observe the opponent and spot the shots. this is reactive and as long as practice getting the guarding arm to the right spot at the right time you’ll be good (was working on this last night with the team).
Thanks Fran. I suppose you’d have to careful that your opponent doesn’t feint their jab to get you raise to your hands that little bit to do the double arm block and then they sink a straight backhand into the body.
P.S. Sorry for double post above
Hey Kenny
Yes you would mate. The key is to remain observant. A good feint though can unlock the most thorough of defenses!