Combinations
Parry, then left jab
FlowParry → Left jab
Parry, then left jab is a routine where you parry the opponent's left jab and fire back one left jab of your own right away. It's a basic pattern for teaching your body to hit back after defending instead of stopping there. It's the first answer to the opponent's left jab, and one you'll want to drill again and again. Because it's simple, how small your parry is and how fast you fire back show up as they are.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1 |
| Number of punches | 1 |
| Footwork and defense | Parry |
| Goals | Defense-to-Offense Techniques, Counterpunching Techniques, Repetition Drills |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Parry, then left jab: step by step
- Stay in your guard and watch for the start of the opponent's left jab.
- Tap their jab lightly with your right palm to send it off line. Don't let your hand get too far from the front of your face.
- Right after the parry, fire back a left jab.
- Bring the left hand back in front of your chin and get ready for the opponent's next move.
Parry, then left jab: key points
- Don't stop at the parry. Once you've parried, fire one back by the shortest route. Don't reset between the parry and the return jab.
- Keep the parry to a light touch with your palm. The smaller the parry, the less your guard breaks down and the sooner the jab comes out.
- Drill it until a left jab comes out naturally whenever you parry the opponent's jab.
Parry, then left jab: common mistakes
- Pausing after the parry to look at the opponent. That gives them time to set up their next punch, and your return jab doesn't land.
- Swatting their jab with a big motion. Your right hand leaves your face and you're more likely to take their right cross.
- Moving your hand before you've seen their jab. You swat at empty space, and all it does is break your guard.
Parry, then left jab: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, imagine the opponent's left jab coming, parry it with a small motion of your right hand, and fire back a left jab right away. Repeat it.
- On the heavy bag, make the parrying motion with your right hand in front of the bag, then land a left jab. Keep the time from the parry to the punch landing as short as you can.
Moves in this technique
Related techniques
By goalDefense-to-Offense TechniquesCounterpunching TechniquesRepetition Drills
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.