Defense and footwork
Slip, then step back
SlipStep back
FlowSlip → Step back
Slip, then step back is a two-stage defense where you slip the first punch and step back on the second, taking away the distance itself. When it's hard to avoid two punches in a row with head movement alone, you use your feet to get out of the opponent's range. Use it against an opponent who keeps punching, to defend the first and second punches in different ways.
| Type | Defense and footwork |
|---|---|
| Footwork and defense | Slip, Step back |
| Goals | Footwork Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Slip, then step back: step by step
- Slip the opponent's first punch with a small head movement.
- As you bring your head back to your stance position, watch for the start of the second punch.
- Timed to the second punch, move your back foot first, then bring your front foot back, to step back.
- Reset your stance at a distance the opponent's punches can't reach.
Slip, then step back: key points
- Defend the first and second punches differently. Avoid the first with your head and the second with your feet.
- Avoid the second by taking away the distance. The farther you back up, the shorter the opponent's punch falls.
- Link the return from the slip and the start of the step back without a break.
Slip, then step back: common mistakes
- Sinking too low in the slip. You can't move your feet and the step back comes too late.
- Leaving your head forward as you back up. Your feet get away, but your face stays in the opponent's range.
- Stopping after you back up. The opponent closes the distance again and you take the next attack.
Slip, then step back: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, picture a one-two, slip the first punch and step back from the second, then check your stance where you land.
- On the heavy bag, put a slip and a step back together in front of the bag, and repeat the flow of coming back in with a left jab from where you land.
Moves in this technique
Related techniques
By goalFootwork 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.