subject: Boxing Tips - Successfully Block Hooks When Fighting on the Inside! [print this page] Boxing Tips - Successfully Block Hooks When Fighting on the Inside!
The boxing tips delivered in this article will help you on the way to becoming a deadly exponent of fighting on the inside either during a boxing match, sparring or during a self-defence situation. Being great at fighting on the inside demands an assortment of skills from short range punching, subtle footwork, even more subtle upper body movements and as importantly as anything an ability to block incoming punches with your arms; this article will lift the lid on a key defensive skill that it used over and over again.
When at close range, fighting on the inside, the punches thrown are are short and medium range hooks and uppercuts. Upper body movement is effective at creating angles when at close range, but because the punches being thrown are travelling such a short distance the best method of defense is to use arm blocks. The reason that arm blocks are most suited during inside fighting is that they require minimal movement to be effective as a defence but also 'mesh' very well with your own punches thereby providing a real counter-attacking threat.
To my mind, the blocking defences discussed here are similar in principle to Knights of old using a shield as an integral part of their fighting approach, combining the shield with the sword in the same way that the boxer combines the block with devastating short and mid-range hooks and uppercuts. Boxing tips on a skill like blocking punches during inside fighting are invaluable as they often are overlooked in favour of the more eye-catching skills. Blocking punches in this manner for my money perfectly defines the essence of boxing; standing up to powerful incoming hooks, defending those shots successfully and always looking to create and attack openings with equally devastating shots of your own.
As if all of this was not enough, each of the blocks is equally effective against punches directed at the head or at the body; dual purpose, simple and effective. Take time to understand the mechanics and take note of the common faults. Nail these blocks and when fighting on the inside your risk of getting hit will be lessened and your opportunities to strike back will be increased!
The Mechanics of Blocking Hooks on the Inside
To Block Hooks on Your Right Side:
The arm that you put in the way of an incoming shot must be a firm, solid object because it has to withstand some big incoming shots. To make sure you provide this solidity, there must be drive from the back leg, the result of this drive being counter-clockwise rotation of the upper-body around the central (vertical) axis.
The right forearm remains in a vertical position so that any incoming punch will strike the forearm, elbow or upper-arm.
The body 'snaps' back to the boxing stance.
Boxing Video - Boxing Tips - Defensive Inside Fighting (Right)!
To Block Hooks on Your Left Side:
Unlike with blocking punches to your right side where the body rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, the opposite is true when blocking hooks arriving on our left-side.Push from the front leg, rotating the body slightly in a clockwise direction.
The left arm remains vertical and virtually still, again with the incoming shot striking the forearm, elbow or upper arm. The rotation of the upper body has the effect of hiding' the body behind the arm and providing the strength to make the arm solid.
The body 'snaps' back to the starting position.
Boxing Video - Boxing Tips - Defensive Inside Fighting (Left)
Common Faults When Blocking Hooks
The arm when blocking to the right does not move independently of the body. The body rotates and the arm rotates with it. When blocking to the left though, the arm stays pretty much still and the upper body rotates to hide' behind it (no, it's not being a wimp to hide behind your arm!)
Curling up behind the arms like some kind of frightened sea creature, eyes tight shut and head facing toward the floor (no this is being a wimp!) It is vital that you watch what's coming your way and block it as well as looking to lead off with your own shots and counter. If you ain't throwing punches, you ain't gonna win the fight!
