Defense and footwork
Parry
Parry
FlowParry
A parry is a defense where you lightly tap the side of the opponent's punch with your palm, knocking it inward and off its line to your face. You don't have to move your body much, so you can go straight into a counter after it misses. You'll often use it against the opponent's left jab, and you turn it into offense by sending your own punch down the line the parry opens.
| Type | Defense and footwork |
|---|---|
| Footwork and defense | Parry |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Parry: step by step
- Hold both hands at chin height and watch for the start of the opponent's left jab.
- Line up your right palm with the side of the incoming fist.
- Tap lightly using only your hand from the wrist forward, knocking the fist inward and off the line to your face.
- Bring the tapping hand straight back beside your chin.
- Without stopping the parrying motion, throw your own attack.
Parry: key points
- Tap the side of the fist, not the front. Changing its direction just a little sends the punch past the side of your face.
- When the line the opponent's jab was meant to travel shifts, it opens up as a path for your own punch. Link the parry and the punch without a break.
- Move only your hand around the palm, and leave your shoulders and upper body in your stance.
Parry: common mistakes
- Pushing your arm far out to knock the punch away. Your hand leaves your face, your posture breaks, and you take the next punch.
- Stopping once you've parried. You give the opponent time to reset and your chance to counter disappears.
- Reaching your hand forward to meet the opponent's fist. You fall for feints more easily and the front of your face opens up.
Parry: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, imagine a jab coming, parry it small with your right hand, and immediately throw a left jab or one-two. Repeat the flow.
- In front of a mirror, check that the parrying motion stays from the wrist forward and that the parrying hand returns right away beside your chin.
- On the heavy bag, add a small brushing motion in the air with your right hand, then throw a one-two, without a gap between the brush and the attack.
Combinations that use this move
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.