How to Deal with a BIG Head Punch in Boxing

What should you do when you are rocked with a punch to the head? How do you get through it? What practical steps can you take?

That’s all very important, but much more important is the conversation around concussions in boxing…that ends up being the big point in this video.

So if you do take a big punch, one of those ones that make you see stars, your equilibrium goes, things go a bit fuzzy, you need to take into account where it happens.

If you take a shot that wobbles you and you are at close range, get your head on the opponents shoulder and play for time. Don’t grab them tight, just enough to keep their arms busy. There’s deception at play, don’t let them know you are hurt.

If you are at long range, don’t rush forward and try to grab Tham. Get your hands up, keep sight on incoming punches. Don’t try to cover too much ground, be steady and look to block shots.

But, this is a moot point really.

In amateur boxing, first time you are rocked the fight is almost certainly going to be stopped. As a coach, if I am running a spar and one of the boxers is hurt with a shot, the spar is stopped and that’s them done. We do a concussion check and if I think some medical attention is required then that’s what happens.

The long term impact of concussions is now well known – they are bad for you.

So, some tips for minimising the risk of concussions:

1. Don’t have heavy open spars too often
2. Build a culture of control and safety in the gym
3. Get the right equipment (well-designed gloves and head guards)
4. Learn the joy of defense
5. Stay hydrated (check out Box Positive for some further insight on this one)

As always I’d love to read what you have to say on this…post comments below.

Cheers

Fran

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