Exploring The Common Boxing Moves: Defensive Boxing Moves

Summary: While learning the ropes of offensive moves will increase the chances of an opponent hitting the canvas and not recovering in time is important, defense also wins matches. The ability of a boxer to effectively avoid the hard-hitting punches of another fighter helps to maintain stamina and longevity during a match. Below, you will come across brief descriptions regarding defensive boxing techniques, such as the slip, bob and weave, parry/block, and the cover-up. Bob and Wea...

While learning the ropes of offensive moves will increase the chances of an opponent hitting the canvas and not recovering in time is important, defense also wins matches. The ability of a boxer to effectively avoid the hard-hitting punches of another fighter helps to maintain stamina and longevity during a match. Below, you will come across brief descriptions regarding defensive boxing techniques, such as the slip, bob and weave, parry/block, and the cover-up. Bob and Weave: A commonly seen technique in boxing is the bob, which brings the head into a lateral position that ducks below an incoming punch. Boxers, who bend their legs quickly and shift their body to the left or right will be able to avoid making contact with an opponent's punch. Once the punch has missed its target, a weaving motion will bring the boxer to an upright position. Slip: Slipping involves the slight rotation of the body when an incoming punch is arriving. This motion causes the punch to pass by the head without any connection. As a punch nears, a boxer should rotate the hips and shoulders in a sharp movement. The result is chin protection as the punch "slips" past the opponent. The Cover-Up: When the face or body becomes unprotected, covering up is often used as a last resort. The cover up involves holding the hands up high in front of the head and chin. Body protection is accomplished through tucking the forearms against the torso. Head protection is achieved when pressing both fists into the front of the face. This defense mechanism is poor protection from underneath attacks. Parry/Block: When facing an assortment of punching attacks, a boxer may use their hands to defend himself or herself. As a punch nears, the boxer will use an open-handed blow in a quick, lateral motion to redirect the wrist or forearm of an opponent.