Become Fighter
Chaining defences: Boxing guide
Combine catch, parry, pull and roll so no punch gets a clean second chance.
Real opponents throw combinations, so one defence is not enough. You need to chain them: parry the jab, roll the cross, pull from the hook. Each defence should place you for the next, and each should offer a counter if the opportunity is there.
The skill is choosing quickly. Practise small sequences first, such as catch the jab, roll the cross, counter the hook. Once those flow, add a pivot or step to exit.
Key points
- Use the lightest defence that works. Reserve the big movements for big punches.
- Match the defence to the punch: catch or parry for jabs, roll or slip for crosses, block or roll under for hooks.
- Counter the last punch of their combination, not the first.
- Keep your feet under you. Defences that cost you your balance are not worth it.
- Exit after countering. Do not stay in range for the next exchange.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Trying to counter every punch. Defend the first ones, counter the last. Otherwise you get hit in the exchange.
- Using the biggest defence for the smallest punch. A catch or parry is enough for the jab. Save the roll for the cross.
- Staying put after the counter. Step out. The best counters are followed by an exit.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Advanced defence module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Advanced defence
- The shoulder roll: Boxing guide
- Philly shell positioning: Boxing guide
- Rolling under hooks: Boxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.