In our latest blog, we discussed all the different elements that make up boxing training. Today, we’ll be going over some of our top secrets to developing great boxing defence techniques. Throughout this blog, you’ll learn the importance of good defence, what it entails, and where most boxers go wrong. If you’re looking for boxing training Melbourne-wide, to put our tips into practice, contact Senshi today.

Developing Your defence Skills

Great defence involves a lot more than just preventing injuries in a match. A well-developed defence technique can give you the ability to interpret your opposition’s movements and intentions, as well as match or break their combat rhythm. Developing these skills will provide you with reassurance in the face of any opponent, no matter their skill level, giving you time and space to figure out what your next move will be. By understanding the upper hand that developed defence controls provides, you’ll find yourself taking your opponent’s weapons away and putting up a good fight.

The Components of Boxing defence

There are many misconceptions about what entails good boxing defence techniques, with many being misguided by the common phrase “the best defence is offense”. Below you’ll find a list of what most people ‘think’ boxing defence means…

  • Footwork
  • Hands up
  • Good head movement
  • Fast reflexes
  • Slipping drills

Now, while these things aren’t completely wrong, there are many missing elements. As well as efficient skills, you need to have vision and versatility. Vision will enable you to see the punches coming before they happen. While versatility will give you the skills necessary to adjust to and understand the varying styles presented by different opponents and understand how their attack angles change. You also need to be able to find your rhythm within a fight as this will enable you to conserve your energy and take advantage of countering opportunities.

Our final secret in this section is that above all else, defence is a state of mind. Your mind should be the strongest means in your toolkit. If your opponent feels or sees the fear and doubt in your own defence skills, the techniques you’ve worked so hard to develop will crumble.

Where Most Boxers Go Wrong

Unless you’re a professional boxer there are always going to be variants in your techniques and training. In this section, we’ll outline 3 ways that many fighters fail in their defensive development, so you know what to avoid when beginning your training.

  • Too much attention on their own athleticism: Many boxers are too focused on what they look like while in a fight rather than turning their attention to the ‘unseen’ techniques, which can only be felt. A true boxer will be able to feel their rhythm from within.
  • The absence of observation: Many fighters believe that good defence demands quick reactions and speed. Once again, while these skills aid in your defence, they’re not required. The best boxers have a powerful vision, in which they can predict their opponents’ movements and see them coming before they even happen.
  • The absence of versatility: If you’ve only got one technique stored in the bank, your opponent will quickly figure this out and beat you. On the other hand, if you’ve got various polished moves up your sleeve, you will be able to hold the element of surprise throughout the match.

If this article has got you interested in boxing training, contact us today to sign up for our boxing and martial arts classes.