1. Good Offense Makes for Good Defense
The say the best offense is a good defense. That adage rings especially true in the sport of boxing. Most champion boxers are equally as good throwing punches as blocking them. Their time in the ring is as much a mental workout as a physical one. Boxers must be light on their feet, fast thinkers and quick responders. There is no time for hesitation or second-guessing themselves or their opponent once that bell sounds. Their job is all about punching and counter punching.
2. Beware of the Jab
An opponent's jab is the punch most frequently counter punched, since it is the one most often thrown by boxers. The best way to counter punch a jab is "picking" it with your right glove and diverting it over the opposite shoulder. Follow up by delivering your own jab to your adversary's chin. Another counter attack for the jab involves ducking the punch, coming back up and throwing a left jab to the body. Executing a jab to the body requires leaning forward at the waist and shooting off a quick blow to your opponent's midriff. The objective here is getting him to let his defenses down.
3. Power Up the Cross
Generally, boxers avoid their opponent's cross. This punch's distinct straight path allows them to see it coming. And if you don't, just move out of its way. This, however, does not set you up for counter punching. Instead, intercept the cross with your left shoulder. Transfer your body weight to your rear foot, pivot hard to the right, lower your chin in back of your shoulder and fire off your own cross.
4. Slip the Punch
Slipping and ducking your opponent's punches are assertive means of defense. Slipping a boxer's punch requires a fighter to turn his body just enough so that an oncoming punch slides by his head without making contact. When your adversary's punch reaches you, turn your hips and shoulders and "slip" it. Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson employed this defensive tactic. Ducking a punch calls for a fighter to "duck" down in an upright position. Instead of making contact with you, the punch brushes your head or misses you altogether.
5. Bobbing and Weaving
It is just like bobbing for apples. In boxing, "bobbing" means moving your head up, down and underneath your opponent's punch. When the punch gets in close proximity, bend your legs while moving your body laterally in either direction. After avoiding the punch, "weave" your way to a standing position on the outer or inner side of your competitor's outstretched arm. Bobbing and weaving masters include Joe Frazier, Jack Dempsey and Rocky Marciano.
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