Fundamentals
On the ropes: stop, deflect or circle out
On the ropes
If you keep backing up until the ropes are behind you, there is nowhere left to retreat and your options shrink fast. When you get near the ropes, pick one of three: stop the opponent, deflect the attack, or circle out to the side, and reset your position. Not retreating with the step back alone is the starting point for not getting stuck on the ropes.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Goals | Footwork Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
On the ropes: stop, deflect or circle out: how to do it
- When you're moving back and feel the ropes getting close, stop backing straight up.
- To stop, use a left jab or a catch to stop the opponent just as they start to come forward.
- To deflect, make the punch miss with a parry or a slip and send the opponent's momentum off to the side.
- To circle out, get out to the side with a side step or a pivot and move away from the ropes.
- Once you've reset your position, get back in your guard and go into the next exchange.
On the ropes: stop, deflect or circle out: key points
- With your back on the ropes you can't move back, so you have fewer moves to choose from.
- On the ropes, pick one of three options (stop, deflect or circle out) and reset your position.
- When you move back, don't rely on the step back alone.
On the ropes: stop, deflect or circle out: common mistakes
- Retreating with nothing but step backs. You end up with your back on the ropes, taking punches with no way out.
- Freezing with your back on the ropes and only covering up. The opponent gets to hit you wherever they like, and your position never changes.
- Hesitating over which of the three to choose and stopping. The opponent's attack keeps coming and you stay stuck on the ropes.
On the ropes: stop, deflect or circle out: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, imagine ropes behind you. As you back up toward them, choose stop, deflect or circle out and change your position. Repeat.
- Treat the heavy bag as the opponent. From a few steps back, circle around to the side, change the angle and punch back.
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.