Defense in boxing is as essential as an offense. As a beginner, you have to master every aspect of boxing to master the skill. Boxing is one intense sport. You not only require combat techniques to seal the victory.
There are boxing defense techniques you have to master for a safe and impactful attack. Coutnerstrikkign makes you less vulnerable in front of opponents as a beginner. A good defense can minimize the risk of damage.
You can easily safeguard yourself with proper gear and defense skills. To start, you need to master basic defense techniques.
Here’s what you can begin with.
Did you know? Regular practice of defensive drills and techniques helps beginners build muscle memory, which leads to quicker and more intuitive defensive reactions. |
Mastering the art of defense: Best defense techniques for beginners
To master the art of defense, you have to build a routine. Regularity in your defense will help you master it. As a beginner, it is essential to work on your counter-attack. A good defense can help you opt for safe combat.
There are defense techniques that will help you create more winning opportunities. Here’s what you need to learn for a solid counter-attack.
Basic defense position
For a proficient defense, it is good to start with the basics. You can start with a high and low guard. These positions are essential to minimize the impact of incoming strikes. Here’s how you can master it.
High guard position
For high guard, you must position both hands close to the side of the head. Your gloves should cover the side of your face, while your forearms should protect your chin. Also, you should tuck your elbow close to your ribs. High guard can help you defend against a head or face.
Low guard
A low guard position can help you defend against body shots and open opportunities for a counter-attack. You can place both hands closer to the body with gloves covering the sides of the torso and elbow to protect the ribs.
Practice both defense techniques to protect yourself from severe injuries.
Importance of footwork
Footwork is an essential aspect of defense. You should master footwork and learn to create angles to dodge your opponents. Also, you can position yourself in a dominant spot with proper footwork. Footwork can also help in weight distribution.
With footwork, you can easily evade powerful punches from opponents. For easy maneuvering, you should pick good running shoes and shorts.
Blocking and covering up
Blocking is one of the effective techniques to make your opponents uncomfortable. As a beginner, you can master the art of blocking and covering up to safeguard yourself.
Here’s what you need to learn.
Head punches
To block head punches from opponents, you can use the high-guard technique. The foundational blocking technique protects your head and faces from hooks, punches, and jabs.
Execute high guard
- Place both hands up with your elbow tucked in.
- Place your gloves against the forehead and cheeks to cover the temple and sides of the face.
- Try to keep your forearms vertical and close together.
Forearm block
The forearm is an effective way to block straight punches and jabs.
Execute forearm block
- Lift your lead forearm diagonally across your face.
- Position it inside your forearm to meet the opponent’s gloves.
- Try to keep your rear hand near your chin for extra protection.
Elbow cover
Use your elbow to cover yourself! This technique is useful, particularly for hooks and looping punches.
Execute elbow cover
- Lift your elbow to the lead arm to create a protective barrier.
- Your elbow should be positioned at a 45-degree angle.
- Cover the side of the head.
- You can position your rear hand near the chin for extra protection.
Also read: How BJJ and Other Combat Sports Help Build Flexibility and Self Defense?
Covering up
Covering up is a defensive technique that will help you cover your head. Bring both your hands to protect your head and body simultaneously. You can use the cover-up technique when facing a barrage from opponents.
Slipping and bobbing
Slipping is a fundamental defensive technique. It involves moving your head. With slipping, you can allow yourself to create angles and avoid punches. It will help you set up counter-punching opportunities.
Execute slipping
- Anticipate your opponent’s punches and recognize the timing of the strikes.
- Determine the direction you need to move your head.
- Distribute your weight equally on both legs to maintain a balance.
- Use your legs to generate quick and controlled movement as the opponent’s punches come closer.
- Keep your eyes on the opponent while slipping.
Bobbing is a unique and effective defense technique in boxing. You’re supposed to move your head in a controlled pattern to evade punches from opponents.
Execute bobbing
- To execute bobbing, you have to keep your body relaxed to equally distribute your weight.
- As your opponent throws punches, you keep your head low to the ground and change your position.
- After evading the punch, you can return to the starting position to quickly assess the situation for counter-punches.
Parrying redirecting
With parrying, you can easily block punches from opponents landing on you. It is a skillful technique to redirect your opponent’s punches and set opportunities for a counter-attack. Here’s how you can execute it.
- Observe your opponent’s movements, body, and telegraphing cues.
- Time your parry to intercept your opponent’s punch.
- Extend your hand and make contact with your opponent’s gloves.
- Keep your hand relaxed and wrist flexible for better control.
- It’s good to angle your arm and hand slightly inward. It will help you reduce the chance of being hit.
Parrying consists of minimal movement. It is about redirecting your opponent’s punch rather than blocking it.
Head movement
Head movement involves various head movements to keep your opponents off target. You have to confuse your opponent to avoid punches. Make it difficult for your opponent to land safe punches and counter-punch them.
Head movement is all about being unpredictable. You have to keep your opponents guessing your next move. For effective head movement, create different angles. It will make it hard for your opponent to target you.
Find more answers in the FAQ section.
Staying calm and maintaining a clear mind in combat can help you stay strong. Practice breathing and prepare yourself mentally for sparring sessions.
Sparring is surely a valuable technique to master defense. Controlled defense allows you to sustain against dynamic opponents.
Your proficiency depends on passion, dedication, and daily practice. You can see noticeable improvements by following a routine in mastering defense.
Conclusion
To execute boxing defense techniques correctly, you must implement every strategy and technique discussed. It is good to pick high-end gear to make your defense more effective.
You can find an exclusive range ofcustom boxing equipment at Infinitude Fight. They also offer high-quality apparel to smooth your combat and defense.
Practice defense techniques and astonish your opponents with a powerful defense as a beginner!