Become Fighter
Off-balancing from the plum: Muay Thai guide
Making the opponent's knees useless by moving their weight.
A strong plum is not about pulling hard. It is about moving the opponent's weight so that every knee they throw is slow or weak. You do this by walking them in a circle, pulling down then releasing and changing the direction of the pull.
In a Thai clinch the fighter who controls the angle controls the fight. Work with a coach, and use small steps. If you use strength alone, a stronger opponent will out-muscle you.
Key points
- Pull down, then to the side, then release to feel their reaction.
- Step in a circle. They have to follow, which blunts their knees.
- Rotate your hips with your hands. Arms alone tire quickly.
- Use the rhythm of pulls to find the moment they are light on a foot.
- Strike on the off-balance beat, not the stable one.
- A short break, not a long hold, keeps the referee off you.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Muscling them straight down. Use circles and rhythm. A strong opponent will resist a straight pull.
- Moving only the arms. Turn the hips with the hands. Arms alone fatigue.
- Staying stuck in one position. Change the direction every few seconds.
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 clinch module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Advanced clinch
- Dumps and sweeps from the plum: Muay Thai guide
- Knee entries and combinations: Muay Thai guide
- Framing out and clinch exits: Muay Thai 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.