How to Roll
The roll, or bob and weave, is a technique in boxing that involves moving the upper body in and out and side to side in order to avoid punches and create openings for counterattacks. It is a versatile and effective tactic that requires good footwork, balance, and body control.
The roll involves lowering the body and moving the head in and out and side to side while also shifting the feet to maintain balance. It is an effective technique for avoiding punches and creating openings for counterattacks, as it allows a boxer to get inside an opponent's range and land shots to the body or head.
In addition to its offensive applications, the roll can also be used as a defensive tactic. By constantly moving and adjusting position, a boxer can make it more difficult for an opponent to land clean shots and can also create opportunities to counter.
Overall, the roll is an important technique in boxing that is used to avoid punches and create openings for counterattacks. It requires good footwork, balance, and body control and is an effective tactic for both offense and defense.
Below is a basic outline of the roll along with common mistakes to avoid:
Starting Position
Orthodox stance (Southpaws reverse ‘right’ and ‘left’):
Feet shoulder-width apart.
Step the right foot back.
Turn the heels 45-degrees.
Lift the rear heel up.
Bend the knees.
Elbows on the ribs.
Wrists straight.
Fingers tucked under thumbs.
Hands to chin.
Chin down.
The Lead Roll
Bend the knees.
Hunch the body.
Rotate the body anti-clockwise.
Circle the head to the left.
See the opponent.
Return to standing.
The Rear Roll
Bend the knees.
Hunch the body.
Rotate the body clockwise.
Circle the head to the right.
See the opponent.
Return to standing.
Common Mistakes
Bending from the waist.
Looking down.
Dropping the guard.
Tilting the body.
Locking the legs.
Leaning back.
Freezing in an awkward position.
Failing to return.
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