Having a chin in boxing means being able to take a punch to the jaw without undue ill effect. This doesn't actually mean your physical chin. Instead, it means developing habits and physical attributes that make you better able to take those punches. A boxer with a weak neck and jaw who leads with his chin will have a head that snaps in place, resulting in a knockout. A boxer with strong attributes in these areas has a competitive advantage.
Step 1
Build neck strength by doing neck bridges, weighted neck lifts and neck-and-shoulder rolls. A strong neck will prevent your head from snapping quickly when punched. It's the rotation of your head that causes brain abrasions and disorientation, which can result in knockouts and concussions in the ring.
Step 2
Practice your bag work and shadowboxing with a tennis ball tucked between your chin and collarbone. Holding it there while you work out will build the habit of keeping your chin down. Some boxers string a rope through the ball so they can return it easily when dropped. Others find the hassle of retrieving the dropped ball part of their motivation for keeping it in the right place.
Step 3
Wear your mouthpiece whenever you spar or compete. This is required in most sanctioned competition. It can minimize the impact of punches to the chin.
Step 4
Keep your chin down at all times when boxing. The end of the chin acts as a lever, causing a punch to exert maximum force on the neck and head.
Step 5
Roll with any punches that strike you by pivoting or sliding your body in the direction of the punch. This minimizes the actual force of the punch as it lands.
Step 6
Spar as often as you can. No drill or personal training can teach you as much about protecting your chin as sparring against an opponent trying to land a punch.
Things You'll Need
- Tennis ball
- Mouthpiece
References
- Inside Boxing Classes Today; Tennis Ball Chin Tuck Drill; February 2010
- Bill Packer; Kickboxing Coach; Bad Company Fight Team; Albuquerque, New Mexico
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