Fundamentals
Change the tempo
Change pace
If you keep throwing punches with the same power and the same speed, the opponent gets used to the rhythm and adjusts. Mixing fast and slow, hard and soft resets that. Also keep in mind that the harder the punch, the less it works when you repeat it. This is for people whose combinations get monotonous and easy for the opponent to read.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Goals | Setup-and-Power Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Change the tempo: how to do it
- Mix fast punches and slow punches in your combinations.
- Mix hard punches and soft punches to vary your power.
- Don't use hard punches back to back. Put them in between soft punches.
Change the tempo: key points
- When the same power and speed continue, the opponent gets used to it.
- Mix fast and slow, hard and soft, to reset what the opponent has gotten used to.
- The harder the punch, the less it works when repeated. Leave space between hard shots.
Change the tempo: common mistakes
- Throwing every punch with the same power and speed. The opponent gets used to the rhythm and finds it easier to avoid.
- Throwing a hard punch that landed again and again. The opponent gets used to it and it loses its effect.
Change the tempo: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, throw the same combination fast, slow, hard and soft.
- On the heavy bag, mix one hard punch into a run of soft punches. Change the order of hard and soft each time.
Related techniques
By goalSetup-and-Power 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.