How to Feint
Feinting is an important technique in boxing that involves making a fake move or attack in order to deceive or mislead an opponent. Feints can be used to set up a punch or combination, create an opening, or disrupt an opponent's timing and defense. By feinting, a boxer can throw their opponent off balance and create an opportunity to land a clean punch.
Feinting is an important part of a boxer's arsenal and can be a very effective technique when used correctly. It requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and a keen understanding of an opponent's tendencies and weaknesses. Feinting can also be used as a defensive tactic, as it can help a boxer avoid getting hit or create space to get out of harm's way.
Overall, feinting is an important technique in boxing that can be used to set up punches, create openings, and disrupt an opponent's timing. It requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and a keen understanding of an opponent's tendencies, and it can be an effective tool for both offense and defense.
Below is a list of different feints for boxers to keep in mind during training:
Stance Feints
Feint dropping the guard.
Feint covering up.
Feint switching stance.
Feint switching styles.
Punch Feints
Feint jab / cross.
Feint lead hook / rear hook.
Feint lead uppercut / rear uppercut.
Feint lead overhand / rear overhand.
Block Feints
Feint lead catch / rear catch.
Feint lead block / rear block.
Feint lead elbow / rear elbow.
Head Movement Feints
Feint slip.
Feint roll.
Feint pull.
Feint duck.
Footwork
Feint step.
Feint pivot.
Feint switch.
Clinch Feints
Feint overarm clinch.
Feint underarm clinch.
Overall, feinting is an opportunity for boxers to bring out their creativity.
The problem with feints is that while boxing drills require hitting a heavy bag, and partner drills require both parties to know what to expect, a feint requires that the other person overreact and never know what to expect. This raises some questions:
How can a boxer practice feints by themselves on a heavy bag?
How can two boxers practice feints in a partner drill?
How can a coach teach a boxer to feint during padwork?
I think the solution to this problem is to redefine feints as follows: a feint is a punch that almost hits the target but deliberately stops short. The benefits of this definition is as follows:
Boxers can ‘sell’ the feint more effectively in sparring.
Boxers can practice it on the heavy bag.
Boxers can practice it as safely as any other punch in a partner drill.
Coaches can legitimately include feints in padwork.
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