Become Fighter
Level changes as set-ups: Boxing guide
Use head and body movement to open the guard.
A change of level is a feint on its own. When you dip, the opponent has to decide whether you are going to the body, ducking a punch or setting up the head. Often they lower their hands, and the head opens.
Combine level changes with feints to make a three-step system: show a movement, make them react, then punch the opening.
Key points
- A dip with the knees makes the opponent look down and drop their hands.
- Fake a body shot, then throw the head shot. Or fake the head and throw the body.
- Return to your normal height before the next punch so you stay balanced.
- Combine with a lateral step so your head is off line as you rise.
- Keep your hands up while you dip. Do not duck blindly.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Ducking without any hand protection. Keep the guard high while you dip. A blind duck walks into a knee or uppercut.
- Always dipping on the same side. Alternate sides so the opponent cannot time your head.
- Dipping too deep to recover from. A few inches is enough. If you can't spring back up quickly, you went too low.
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 Feints and set-ups module of Boxing fundamentals.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Feints and set-ups
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.