Did you lose your last fight against your opponent because you couldn’t dodge punches faster? Dodging your opponent’s punches and jabs is an art that can only be learned by practice. All you need is a detailed guide on how to dodge punches faster.
Have you seen those intense boxing matches where a boxer throws fast punches but the opponent still manages to dodge them? Do you wonder how boxers dodge punches and then attack back? Dodging punches can save you from losing a match and boost your boxing game instantly.
Dodging punches can’t be learned by just reading some tips on how to dodge punches faster. Using those tips at the right moment and practicing them will take you far with dodging. Additionally, we will be sharing some relevant videos of the dodging techniques as well so that you can watch carefully and protect yourself from coming power punches.
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Steps to Dodge the Punch Faster:
Following steps and techniques will surely help you stay focused and successfully dodge coming punches.
Focus on Opponent’s Body Part:
Focusing on specific body parts of the opponent will tell you about his next move. No boxer can tell what is coming from the opponent’s fist without looking at signs.
Some boxers also show a pattern of signs before throwing a punch. Focusing on the opponent’s body will help you predict his next move. You have to be attentive throughout the game.
Before learning how to dodge, first, you should be aware of a few spots where you should be looking while preparing yourself to dodge a punch.
- Footwork: The footwork and leg stance of the boxer can tell a lot of things. An expert opponent can even anticipate the next move by noticing a specific stance. Noticing footwork, not continuously but occasionally, can help you dodge punches faster.
- Don’t Focus on Eyes: Eyes of a boxer show nothing but anger and emotions. Focusing on the opponent’s eyes won’t help you dodge the punches. But a constant reading of the emotions might help in making the attacking plan.
- Center of Body: Focus on the center of the body helps in watching a lot of signs about opponents’ moves. The best center point of the body can be the collarbone of the opponent boxer. Focus on the collarbone gives sight of both shoulders of the opponent as well.
Opponent’s Punch Reading:
A boxer, especially a beginner, gives a lot of signs about their next blow. Reading those signs will help a lot in dodging the coming punches.
- Breath Reading: An expert boxer has a way to read the opponent’s breathing and use it to dodge the punches. However, different types of breaths can tell different approaches of the opponent. Keen observation on breathing will help you to protect yourself from power punches and jabs as well.
- Pattern Reading: Boxers have a specific pattern or flow throughout their game. Once you understand all tactics and techniques of the opponent, you can easily dodge any punch. All you have to do is understand the boxing strategy and flow of your opponent.
How To Dodge Any Punch:
We are going to share a detailed guide on how to dodge punches and have a proper stance.
- Have a proper and balanced stance.
- Tighten your fists while keeping your elbow close to your body.
- Keep moving your body and take a defensive stance.
- Now, move your body back to dodge a punch or you can move in the opposite direction to block a punch.
- Don’t move too much, keep your body balanced while you move back or in the opposite direction.
- Now, after dodging a punch, you can counterattack your opponent right away.
You can use this method to dodge simple punches, advance punches demand advanced dodging skills. Additionally, there are a few other ways to dodge punches as well.
5 Tricks to Dodge Head Punches:
What if your opponent throws punches right at your head? How to dodge them? We are going to share five ways to block punches at the head.
1: Parry/Catch
Catch or Parry is one of the simplest and easiest ways to block the head punch. You have to put your hand in front of your head to block the coming punch. Don’t keep your hand too close to your face, otherwise, there is a chance to hurt your face badly. Also, you have to be attentive to dodge the punch this way.
2: High Guard
Another common way to block the punch is a high guard method. In this method, you have to lift both of your elbows in front of your face with clenched fists. Both hands and arms will act as an obstacle between the coming punch and your head. You have to observe the opponent’s movement so keep your eyes and mind open.
3: Helmet Guard
A lot of boxers find this method a bit difficult to learn. But constant practice will take you to the pro level. In this method, you will be taking your arm out and keeping your open hand right at the back of your head. It should be noted that don’t put your hand on your ears. Doing so will only make you susceptible to getting hurt.
Moreover, you have to be quick with all these movements otherwise you will get that coming punch right at your head.
4: 3 Point Block
This method is similar to the helmet guard. The 3-point block is one of the difficult ways to learn to dodge the punch. Use of the open palm, the forearm, and the shoulder or bicep will help you block the punch. All you have to do is repeat the helmet guard with one additional step which is using your opposite hand. Doing all the movements together and quick to dodge a solid punch.
5: Outward Block/Gate Block
The outward block is another common way to dodge punches. When we talk about traditional martial arts dodge moves, the outward block method is one of the first methods we discuss. Take your hand 90 degrees outside while keeping your hands open and fingers straight. Also, you can adjust your hand according to the direction of the coming punch.
Here is the video of all the above-mentioned five methods to block or dodge the punch. You can have a look if you want. It will help you understand all the blocking ways better.
How to Dodge Punches Faster:
We are going to mention some ways or strategies to dodge punches and jabs. Additionally, we will share videos of each way so that you can have a better understanding of each technique.
Slips and Pullback:
One of the easiest and fundamental dodging techniques in boxing is slips. Boxers have to move opposite to the punches. Let’s suppose if the punch comes from the left side, the boxer has to move to the right side. All the dodging movements should be side to side.
On the other hand, the pullback doesn’t have to be side to side, rather it’s moving the body back. The moment a boxer sees a coming punch, move the body back to dodge but don’t move too much. Maintaining body balance is one of the important factors to dodge successfully.
A lot of boxing experts don’t recommend relying on pulling back too much. You can follow your slip with a pullback and then a slip again. Having an alternative dodging stance will help you be unpredictable. Additionally, alternative dodge is the best way to dodge punches.
Bobbing and Weaving:
Many experts consider bob and weave techniques to dodge incoming hooks. To get the bob and weave right, the boxer has to step back a bit while bending the knees. After that, the boxer will move the head down while making a J or U shape. Then, move where the hook is coming from.
You can’t become an expert in bob and weaving by watching some videos or reading guides. You have to practice this technique to get it perfect.
Exercises for Dodge the Punches:
Sessions with a hanging speed bag or punching bag will help you in focusing your target. Not only that but it will also keep you moving as well. Here are some amazing and long-lasting punching bags for you.
Practice or exercise your J or U motion will help you get better at dodging. You can improve your bob and weaving technique with this exercise.
Do workouts that help you balance your body from the very start of your game. All the workout drills teach us to balance the body so we can consider any.
Faster Head Movement to Dodge Punches-Few Tips
- Constantly move your head – Don’t stay still.
- Get your head out of the way – you can use the above-mentioned method to block the head punches as well
- Constant moving doesn’t mean moving too much. Don’t move your head too much.
- You must move faster than the coming punch.
- Also, you should alternate your body stance according to the opponent’s next move.
- Keep your hands up in a defensive mode to protect your face and head as well.
This video right here will surely help you understand these tips better.
Conclusion:
As we mentioned earlier, dodging skills get better by practice sessions. Matching timing with your opponent isn’t something you can learn by watching. Reading your opponent’s body language, focusing on the right spots, and then applying the right technique is not as easy as it sounds.
A better understanding of dodging in boxing will help you in tricking your opponent at the right time. A lot of practice sessions needed to get 5 seconds of dodge perfectly. We went the extra mile to cover all the points of how to dodge punches faster.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I dodge double punches?
Yes, you can. But to dodge double punches demands some tactics and a lot of practice. Also, you have to read the body language of the opponent to dodge double punches.
Q2: Can I learn to dodge with the help of a punching bag?
Yes, you can learn dodging with a punching bag as a learner. But to be a pro at dodging, you have to practice with real opponents as well.
