Beginning Boxing: The Basics Of Boxing Defense Techniques

Whenever you watch boxing you probably don't really notice the fighters boxing style. There are a few boxing styles. Most people just notice how fast a fighter is or how hard they punch. However, boxing is called the "sweet science" because it is the art of hit and not being hit. Anyone can throw a punch and hit somebody. Not everyone can hit someone and make the other person miss.

A defensive genius such as Pernell Whitaker and Floyd Mayweather made defense every bit as important in their boxing style. Even Mike Tyson before his fall from grace had a beautiful defensive technique. Mayweather is famous for his shoulder roll and Mike Tyson was a bob and weave fighter. Both fighter are hard to hit and this frustrated there opponents and made them think every time they punched. One thing in common with these guys was non-stop practice of their craft!

The Boxers Stance already provides protection. Your chin is tucked your hands are held high to guard your face and your arms are tucked to protect your lower body. Your knees are bent to provide you with the ability to move. With footwork and head movement you are hard to hit. If you opponent is in poor shape they won't last long against you. Especially if you stay relaxed and maintain your cool.

This is basic however it is easily forgotten. If you watch boxing you will see fighters forget the fundamentals and drop their hands, expose their chin, stand still and stop moving. Here are some beginning defensive moves. These can be practiced slowly with another boxing enthusiast.

Jab Catching: When a jab is thrown put your glove in front of your face with the chin down. Pivot your foot and brace the right leg and catch the jab. Make sure your chin is down so your nose doesn't get hit. as soon as the jab is caught return to defensive shell or counter with your own jab.

Parries: Don't try to catch a straight right. Straight rights are best parried with a small slap of the glove. When you do this you can knock you opponent off guard. Parrying a body shot is done by sweeping the punch to the side and deflecting the punch.

Blocks: When the punch comes flex the knees and lower yourself so that the hands automatically are raised to protect the head. Ones elbows and arms drop to better protect the body. You won't believe how many times I have seen sparring sessions where a person has a good block and completely exhausts the other fight. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Ducks: This is done by flexing the knees and coming up in the opposite direction of any punch in a V movement. This will allow you to counter in the opposite area of youyr opponent. Don't bend at the hip and lose eye contact. Bend at the knee. This takes a lot of conditioning and powerful thighs.

Slips: A sideways movement of the head to dodge a punch with a slip. It will take a lot of practice to read the shoulder and know when the opponent is going to throw their punch. It is all reaction time. Also, you must develop strong neck muscles to move your head quickly. Mike Tyson was the master of the slip. Practicing the slip takes a lot less energy than a duck so it is good to master this move.

Defense and offense blend together. It is a swirling movement; one second offense becomes defense and vice versa.