The basic defensive maneuvers should be practiced repeatedly 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 resistance in your right hand so you do not hit yourself.
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 the 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 form the right hand. Always take your catcher’s mitt with you when you slip as a backup system

·        Inside Slip: This involves bending at the knees and dropping the upper body forward to the left, inside of the opponent’s left jab. Your head should end up directly over your left knee. This is a somewhat dangerous move because you are moving into your opponent’s right hand.

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 so that you will not be cautioned for head butting.