Boxing defense techniques are crucial for protecting yourself and minimizing damage during a fight or even while you are a beginner who started to learn boxing. In boxing, the saying hit “hit and don’t get hit” is why learning defense is as important as throwing punches. This way you can learn to defend yourself. Here are some common defensive techniques used in boxing:
High Guard
Hands are up by the face, preferably place your thumb/gloves next to the temple and elbows in to protect the body. This is a basic stance where both hands are held up high to protect the face and chin. The elbows stay close to the body to guard against body shots. This position makes it easier to block and parry punches. This would be one of the easiest punches for beginners to do.
Footwork
Circling: Moving around the opponent to avoid attacks and create angles.
Lateral Movement: Side-to-side movement to evade punches.
My suggestion : use colored cones and use it as a tool to guide you where to go
Head Movement
Slipping: Moving the head to the side to avoid a straight punch. To slip a punch, quickly move your head to the left or right, just enough to avoid a punch. Slipping is often combined with counterpunching, taking advantage of the opponent’s moment of vulnerability.
Ducking: Bending at the knees to avoid a high punch.
Pull / Lean back : Move your upper body back.
Weaving: Moving the head in a U-shape to evade hooks
I been following an online youtube boxing channel Precision Striking. His (JT) program on head movement is in details, click here for more information.
Parry
Deflecting an opponent’s punch away with your own hands. For beginner usually you use your rear hand to parry, by turning only your palm towards your opponent.
Counterpunching
Attacking immediately after defending, exploiting openings created by the opponent’s missed punches. Which is something I will need to work on more.
By mastering these defensive techniques, a boxer can effectively manage and minimize the damage they receive while creating opportunities for counterattacks.
As a beginner always pick 1 defense and master it over and over again before adding more to your learning journey. Which one will you be doing or already have favorites defense?