Fundamentals
Lead, don't wait
Take the lead
If you wait to see what the opponent does, they get to decide how the exchange goes. Make them move by throwing left jabs and feints yourself, and when they react, with their guard going up or down, send your power punch through. It's a way of thinking that competes on how you draw the opponent out, not on how hard you can slug it out.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Lead, don't wait: how to do it
- When the distance is right, throw a left jab or a feint yourself.
- Watch how they react: raising their guard, backing off, or punching back.
- Send your power punch into the opening their reaction creates.
- Show the same setup again and check whether they react the same way.
Lead, don't wait: key points
- The longer you wait and watch, the more control shifts to the opponent.
- Throw the left jab or feint that sets it up to move them, more than to land.
- Throw the power punch after they react. Don't throw a big swing without seeing a reaction.
- Don't try to win by slugging it out. Think about how to move the opponent.
Lead, don't wait: common mistakes
- You just stare at the opponent and do nothing. Then they attack at their own pace and you end up on the defensive.
- You stop at the jabs and feints and never throw the power punch. Then they get used to it and stop reacting to your setups.
- You throw the power punch straight away without seeing a reaction. Then it's easy to read and they target you as you finish with a miss.
Lead, don't wait: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, throw a left jab or a feint, imagine the opponent's reaction, then hit the opening with your power punch. Repeat this flow.
- On the heavy bag, put in a left jab or feint that's only for show, then throw the real one-two, and make the difference in power between the setup and the power punch clear.
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.