STRAIGHT RIGHT
For the beginner, this will be your power punch because
it is delivered with the weight of the body.
1. The right is normally thrown after the left jab.
2. Throw the right from the face and bring the
right elbow up to about shoulder level.
3. The left knee should be bent for balance.
4. Your power will be derived by pushing and
pivoting the right foot, whipping your right
shoulder forward and pivoting the hips.
5. Return the right immediately to the head.
DEFENSE AGAINST THE STRAIGHT RIGHT
1. Keeping the left hand in proper position in front of the head should
block most rights.
2. DUCK OR SLIP: Drop the upper body and head forward and to the
left, allowing the right to pass safely by. Be sure to keep your hands in front
of your head as a backup system and also that you will not be cautioned
for head-butting.
2. SLIPPING: This involves avoiding a blow without actually moving
the body out of range. The purpose of slipping is to avoid the blow and
maintain the position to counter. It calls for exact timing and judgment.
To be effective, it must be executed so that the blow is escaped by only
the smallest margin. The two basic slips are outside and inside.
OUTSIDE SLIP: This involves bending at the knees and dropping
the upper body forward and to the right, outside of your opponent’s
left hand. The outside slip is relatively safe because you are slipping
away from the right hand. Always take your catcher’s mitt with you when
you slip as a backup system
These basic defensive maneuvers should be practiced over and over
with a teammate so that they eventually become a reflex action. Have
your partner throw punches in slow motion while you block them. After
the technique is mastered, have him pick up the pace to simulate the
real thing.
DEFENSE AGAINST THE LEFT JAB
1. THE CATCH: The left jab is caught in the palm of the open right
glove (catcher’s mitt). Do not reach out for the jab. Let it come to you.
Be sure to keep up resistance in your right hand so you don’t hit
yourself.