Many novice boxers often find themselves fixated on pounding the heavy bag with relentless punches, neglecting the diversity of techniques available to them. This can lead to monotony and hinder skill development. In this guide, we will explore six distinct types of boxing techniques, offering precise definitions and illustrative examples. The primary goal here is to encourage boxers to broaden their training horizons, adding variety to their practice routines.

The Six Types of Boxing Techniques:

1) Stance

A boxing stance is the way a boxer stands to prepare to hit and not get hit. A boxer’s stance is their fundamental positioning, pivotal for both offensive and defensive manoeuvres. Understanding the nuances of different stances is crucial.

• Orthodox: An orthodox stance entails leading with the left hand, typically adopted by right-handed boxers.

• Southpaw: The southpaw stance involves leading with the right hand, typically used by left-handed boxers.

• Long: The long stance employs an extended lead hand to maintain distance from shorter opponents.

• Peek-a-Boo: This stance positions both hands close to the head, preparing the fighter to bob and weave effectively against taller opponents.

• Philly Shell: Characterized by a low lead hand and a high lead shoulder, the Philly Shell stance excels at counter-punching.

• Cross-Armed: Here, the lead arm shields the body, while the rear arm guards the head.

2) Punches

A punch is scored when the knuckle-end of the glove hits the front or sides of the opponent’s head or trunk. Effective punching is at the heart of boxing. Understanding the different punches and their applications is essential.

• The Jab: A straight punch executed with the lead hand.

• The Cross: A straight punch delivered with the rear hand.

• The Lead Hook: A curved punch with the lead hand, parallel to the ground.

• The Rear Hook: Similar to the lead hook, but executed with the rear hand.

• The Lead Uppercut: A curved punch with the lead hand, moving perpendicular to the ground.

• The Rear Uppercut: Similar to the lead uppercut but executed with the rear hand.

3) Blocks

A block is the obstruction of an incoming punch. Blocking incoming punches is a vital defensive skill in boxing.

Assuming an orthodox versus orthodox position:

• Lead Catch: Employed to stop an incoming cross using the lead hand.

• Rear Catch: Designed to intercept an incoming jab with the rear hand.

• Lead Block: Utilized to halt an incoming hook with the lead hand.

• Rear Block: Employed to defend against an incoming hook with the rear hand.

• Lead Elbow: Used to block an incoming uppercut with the lead elbow.

  Rear Elbow: Employed to fend off an incoming uppercut with the rear elbow.

4) Head Movement

A head movement is the avoidance of an incoming punch. Mastering head movement is crucial for avoiding punches effectively.

Assuming an orthodox versus orthodox position:

• Lead Slip: Involves shifting the head to evade an incoming cross.

  Rear Slip: Requires moving the head to avoid an incoming jab.

• Lead Roll: Entails circling under an incoming rear hook.

  Rear Roll: Involves circling under an incoming lead hook.

• Pull: Encompasses leaning back to dodge an incoming uppercut.

• Sit: Requires ducking under an incoming straight punch or hook.

5) Footwork

Footwork is a change in position either to set-up a hit or to avoid getting hit. Footwork is all about manoeuvring strategically to set up attacks or evade opponents.

• Half-Step: Involves moving one foot without committing to a full step with the other.

• Full Step: Entails moving one foot and then the other in a complete step, with the foot closer to the intended direction leading.

• Pivot: Signifies changing your angle, accomplished with either the front or rear foot.

• Skip: Incorporates leaping movements to cover more ground than a standard step.

• Switch: Encompasses taking a substantial step to change your stance.

• Shift: Involves a diagonal skip that simultaneously transitions into a different stance.

6) Control

Control is the art of influencing your opponent before engaging in attack or defence.

• Draw: Strategically dropping your guard to bait an opponent into throwing a punch.

• Feint: Employing a fake attack to coax your opponent into lowering their guard.

• Open: Launching an attack that compels your opponent to expose their guard.

• Smother: Closing the distance to prevent your opponent from launching an attack.

• Touch: Interrupting or impeding your opponent's movement.

• Clinch: Seizing and controlling your opponent's arms.

By becoming well-versed in stances, punches, blocks, head movement, footwork, and control, you'll not only enhance your physical conditioning but also add variety and excitement to your exercise regimen. Boxing is not just about throwing punches; it's about discipline, strategy, and mastering the art of movement.

As you integrate these techniques into your training sessions, you'll find yourself getting fitter, faster, and more agile. Your endurance will improve, and you'll develop a keen sense of control over your body. Plus, the mental focus required for boxing will sharpen your mind as well.

So, whether you're hitting the heavy bag at your local gym, participating in a boxing fitness class, or simply shadowboxing at home, remember that versatility is the key to achieving your fitness goals. Embrace these techniques, challenge yourself, and watch your boxing fitness journey reach new heights.

References

International Boxing Association (AIBA), 2018. Coaches - AIBA. [online] AIBA. Available at: <https://www.aiba.org/coaches2020/> [Accessed 13 October 2021].

Robinson, B., n.d. A MILLION STYLES BOXING. [online] Amillionstylesboxing.com. Available at: <https://amillionstylesboxing.com/> [Accessed 13 October 2021].

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