Become Fighter
Broken rhythm and doubling up: Kickboxing guide
Pause, double up and change tempo so the opponent mistimes their counter.
A combination thrown at one steady beat teaches the opponent when to counter. If they know the kick comes on the fourth beat, they will check it or hit you as it starts. Breaking the rhythm takes that timing away.
You can break it in three ways: hold a strike back for half a beat, double a strike you normally throw once, or change speed within the combination.
Key points
- Throw jab, cross at normal speed, pause for a half-beat, then kick.
- Double the jab or the low kick to hide the real strike behind a decoy.
- A slow strike followed by a fast one catches opponents who are timing the first.
- Stay balanced through the pause. Standing too still is a target.
- Use a rhythm only twice. Then change it.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Pausing with a static stance. Keep your weight on the move: a small bounce or shift during the pause.
- Making the pause too long. Half a beat is plenty. A long pause turns into a stop.
- Doubling with no purpose. Know what the second strike is for. It should set range or draw a guard.
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 Kick and punch combinations module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Kick and punch combinations
- Hooks into kicks: Kickboxing guide
- Landing the kick and punching through: Kickboxing guide
- Changing levels with kicks: Kickboxing 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.