Fundamentals
Always fire back after defending
Always fire back
If you only defend, the opponent can come forward without worry. After you slip or block, punch back, even if it misses. Just making the opponent understand that a counter is always coming weakens their forward pressure. It works especially well when an opponent who keeps coming forward is pushing you back.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Always fire back after defending: how to do it
- Take the opponent's punch away with a slip, a block, a parry or similar.
- Right after you defend, throw back whichever punch is easiest from that position.
- It doesn't matter if it misses. Once you've fired back, return to your guard.
Always fire back after defending: key points
- The punch you throw back doesn't have to land. Firing back means something even if it misses.
- Once the opponent knows a counter comes every time, it gets harder for them to come forward.
- Think of defense and the counter as one continuous move. Don't stop at the moment you avoid the punch.
Always fire back after defending: common mistakes
- Being satisfied with avoiding the punch and stopping there. The opponent can throw the next punch without any worry.
- Aiming too carefully to land and leaving a gap before you fire back. The opponent gets back to guard and your counter loses its effect.
Always fire back after defending: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, always throw a punch back after a slip, a block or a parry. Repeat.
- In front of the heavy bag, put in a defensive move and hit the bag right after it. Don't leave a gap between defending and firing back.
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.