Defense and footwork
Duck
Duck
FlowDuck
Ducking is a defense where you bend your knees and drop your upper body straight down so hooks and other curved punches pass over your head. The basic movement comes from bending and straightening your knees, which is different from bending forward at the hips or back. If you drop correctly with your knees, your weight stays centered between your feet, and you can make your next move right after the punch misses.
| Type | Defense and footwork |
|---|---|
| Footwork and defense | Duck |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Duck: step by step
- Stay in your stance and watch for the start of the opponent's hook.
- Bend your knees and drop your weight straight down.
- Keep your back upright, lower your head, and let the punch pass over it.
- Straighten your knees and come back up to your stance height.
- Throw your counter as you come back up.
Duck: key points
- Your knees lead the movement. Bend and straighten them to move your weight straight up and down.
- Don't bend at the hips or back. If you bend forward, your weight shifts forward and you have no room for your next move.
- Keep both hands in front of your face while you're down.
Duck: common mistakes
- Bending forward from the hips. Your weight shifts forward, you lose your balance, and you can't set up to counter.
- Dropping your eyes to the floor as you go down. You can't see the opponent's next punch and you get hit again.
- Dropping your guard as you go down. You get hit in the face where you've ducked to.
Duck: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, picture a hook coming, drop with your knees, and throw a one-two as you come back up. Repeat the flow.
- Stand side-on to a mirror and check that your back stays upright when you drop.
- On the heavy bag, add a drop with your knees between punches and start punching as soon as you come back up.
Related techniques
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.