Running a loose defense at close range is quite often a one-way ticket to the canvas.
When a referee says ‘Defend yourself at all times’ he really means it, especially when you are ‘in the pocket’.
In this video I talk you through using your arms as shields to actively defend against incoming hooks.
Economy of movement and being solid in ‘stopping’ the shot are key.
There is absolutely no use having a loose and relaxed arm when trying to stop a power shot like a left hook.
If your arm is not ‘solid’ then it is entirely likely that that the shock wave from the punch will still hurt a whole lot – especially to the body.
Watch the incoming shot and ‘catch’ with that shield.
After you have stopped the shot – shoot back!
You can turn defense into attack and teach the guy a lesson in the process.
This is all about simple tactics applied well – do the little things right and the big things (like winning the fight) look after themselves.
Comments and questions always welcome.
Cheers
Fran
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Hi Fran
Am I correct that you always advise blocking hooks with a strong arm and also a closed fist rather than a more open hand against the side of the head/jaw?
Thanks
Hi Mike
Yes, you are correct. The arm needs to really absorb the power of the incoming shock otherwise the shockwave just travels into you. The hand can be touching the side of your jaw (especially when defending hooks into the body). Key is that strong arm.
Thaks Fran
Great advice.
No worries Mike, thanks for watching.
Good strong forearms, great for blocking hooks!
Yes, seen blokes doing this. Always nice to get extra advice about how.
As you can probably guess Frank, it’s about coolness under fire. Cheers
Hi Fran – “economy of movement and simplicity”
That’s in my mind now all the time I’m training
Great videos – keep up the good work
Thanks Alan – and yes, it’s a great approach to take. Efficiency is king 🙂
Hi Fran! I have learned so much from watching your videos that I have been able to incorporate a lot of them in my classes, so thank you very much! I used to fight in my late twenties, had a few amateur fights but here I am 29 years later (about to be 49), training again (not to fight, just work out) and my coach now has me training new students (mostly the women’s class). The problem I have always had was being able to get in the inside of a taller fighter and being able to box someone with a longer reach (I’m 5’1″). Do you have suggestions that I could use when sparring and also teach my students? I’ve been to use some techniques but am eager to learn more. I really appreciate any advice and look forward to hearing from you!!! 🙂
Hello Natasha
Thank you for your comment – back on the horse eh!!! Cool
You’ll love coaching, I find it at least as rewarding as actually boxing – different kind of cool.
Here’s a short video I did on dealing with taller fighters…may help:
https://www.myboxingcoach.com/3-tips-beat-a-tall-boxer/
I hope this helps Natasha…I look forward to hearing how you progress on the coaching side. if I can be of any more help let me know.
Thank you so much Fran! Just finished watching the video and it is a huge help! Closing in my opponent is one of the first things I learned when I started, the hard way, of course, lol! Will definitely incorporate the other tactics for my sparring and for my students! Cheers and thanks again!!