Blocking and Counter Punching - Simple Boxing Training Tips

www.myboxingcoach.com - The skill described in this article is the ultimate defensive ‘reactive’ skill and opens up the world of counterpunching.
If you have checked out the articles on slipping punches, bobbing and weaving or ducking then you will know that those skills when used in defense setting are not in response to an incoming shot but more as an evasive action to avoid being hit. They are proactive defenses.
Blocking a punch however is a reactive defense. It is a direct response to a specific action by the opponent, in this case an incoming jab.
This is a key difference that must be understood and is why blocking an opponent’s jab is such a fundamental aspect of successful counterpunching.
So why is blocking an opponent’s jab such a good platform for counterpunching?
Here’s a few reasons:
It’s an extremely efficient defensive action using little energy.
It’s an assertive defense, providing the dominant position to go ‘on the attack.’
Having blocked an opponent’s jab, it stands to reason that you are in range to respond successfully with your own shot.
In short, if you want to be a counterpunching genius, then learning to successfully block an opponent’s jab is an absolute must.
Watch the video, then leave a comment below.

[@djguy100]

Best boxing coach videos on KZbin without a doubt.

[@fittestyou]

Hey mate not sure if your still doing videos..but just wanted to give you a bit of constructive feedback. Firstly thank you for your fantastic content. 2. it would be super cool if you did these drills/movements on a partner. mainly to help visualise better. all the best

[@Velyren]

This guy is fantastic. Love the way he explains things.

[@myboxingcoach]

Thank you

[@MisionTerceraCanaria]

Hi Fran, I've recently decided to take my first steps into boxing rather than just watching as a fan. Your videos have come up a few times and although at first I thought you sounded a bit boring and flat, I did listen and watch a few of your tutorials and I'm very glad I didn't let my silly first impressions and expectations prevent me from actually learning some valuable tips. So you can call this an apology and a thank you rolled into one. If I'm ever in your area, I'll come say hello in person. Thanks again.

[@myboxingcoach]

Thank you, that's really kind. Best of luck with your boxing.

[@peterharris2262]

Im 68 been boxing 2 years, at first I thought I would be just exercising with my trainer but quickly learned what a mind game it really is, great video's from you thanks for your time and effort best regards Pete

[@myboxingcoach]

Brilliant - Keep learning, growing and achieving your goals Pete. Appreciate your comment.

[@jrfigueroa8755]

I'm 62 ,"I understand,and I wish to continue "attitude

[@ferrarifxx08]

Another thing you could do from that pivot in your foot is a bit of head movement which, if timed correctly, will open up your opponents to a powerful left hook to the body or face.

[@craigporteous2959]

Some great boxing tips in such a short space.

[@ramongarciacruz1203]

Thank you sir for your dedication and desire to share your extensive knowledge of boxing. I really learn a lot from your videos.

[@martialartsscience560]

Excellent great advice thank you, good job

[@Spartan-vz1dl]

Thanks Coach, you have given me back my confidence with not Looking frustrated and awkward in sparring. With your advice i’m the person they’re watching in the gym. Again a big thanks

[@dscanlan36509]

Making good use of these videos fran.. Great channel .🙏 thanks

[@chipcantley7359]

Another great video. I especially like the explanation concerning using the hips and body weight to make the block strong.

[@myboxingcoach]

+chip cantley Glad it helps

[@estebannemo1957]

Always great, practical moves, clearly explained.

[@myboxingcoach]

Esteban Nemo Thank you Esteban, appreciated.

[@zenithactive9862]

That comment...you know you're in range because you just blocked a punch...freaking brilliantly put, phenomenal breakdown

[@kevincabral135]

Great video!

[@Thomas-wk5ll]

Thank you Frank for your online boxing lessons. I love your honest and humble approach there are so many show boater's out there. Thanks again

[@myboxingcoach]

Thanks mate

[@thedevopsconsultant]

Mate, your explanations are great. Thanks for the vids.

[@myboxingcoach]

+Stavros Calimoso You are most welcome Stavros, thanks for the comment

[@hawkeyegaming5919]

Thanxxxx for every thing

[@chucknorris202]

I prefer forearm blocks. They can be used to catch hooks as well if you make a mistake on what they are throwing with only a minor adjustment(and it still keeps your fists loaded for maximum explosion and hip/body rotation when you throw your own punches). The catch(what you are doing) is effective against straight punches though as long as you dont mess up.

[@docgb5990]

Excellent vid..the longer I box the more I get out of re-watching your content fran..especially in relation to not just blocking but firing back..thanks 🥊✌🏽

[@myboxingcoach]

Thanks Damian, glad you continue to find interest in it mate

[@mkseg4040]

Thanks Fran for the tips here in the various videos, got an opponent that is a much higher ranking belt (martial arts) and it's hard to get much in on him

[@myboxingcoach]

+Mk Seg Perseverance and solid technique :-)

[@michaelwood9318]

Fran Sands your the best!!!!

[@stuartgraham7376]

I have a fight coming in April 2019. I came across this video by chance. Take the time to listen and then try out slowly on the bag until it becomes muscle memory and instant without conscious thought. I've learned a lot and am very grateful to you for the full explanation and walk throughs.

[@CommKommando]

Your videos are excellent. I watched all of your videos on block/covering up. I don't think any of them address blocking body shots and hooks. Just straight punches.

[@myboxingcoach]

Thanks Josh. Try this recent one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaasq2qfa86Xaqc

[@nakmuay777]

Very good

[@sabet3600]

Really great

[@adams13f]

subscribed im 34 and love boxing going to a real gym soon but like to practice at home and you explain very well nice job. and your vids are the best I've seen on KZbin do you have a counter punching video?

[@myboxingcoach]

Thank you. Yes there's a bunch of stuff on countering...some articles on my site too (do a search on the site)

[@sarojbehera1721]

Good teqnic sir

[@BurtMeister]

I have heard a few coaches talk about catching the jab as opposed to flicking it to your left with your palm, assuming he is an orthodox fighter. While this can leave you a little more vulnerable, the opponent hasn't hit a solid target to help him maintain his balance and must now manage the force he has generated. I prefer this, as if your quick you can capitalise on his shot now sliding over your shoulder with the addition of his weight coming forward adding to your own force.

[@myboxingcoach]

The parry and block can both be very effective and I like to see them used interchangeably.

[@MartyMoose1611]

Thanks, Coach Fran! keep'em coming. the double jab can give you a bad day.

[@myboxingcoach]

No worries, mate. Love the double jab

[@callumboyd4118]

Thank-you hope this helps me doing my second ever match against a women more experienced who loves to jab, wish me luck feel I'm set up for a lose so need to show em

[@myboxingcoach]

+Callum Boyd Best of luck!

[@abdelhakimwahid7363]

enjoying all your video,learned a lot from u,thank u so much

[@myboxingcoach]

+luxury fzc You're welcome, thank you

[@kitasofia]

you Sir are amazing!

[@myboxingcoach]

+Christa Gomez Well thank you very much Christa, very kind of you to say, although 'amazing' is a lot to live up to!!!

[@BlackAnvil47]

Subscribed

[@BlackAnvil47]

Awesome

[@dexterdan6127]

This is great.

[@myboxingcoach]

+Seff D Cheers

[@younesyazine8866]

thanks man

[@myboxingcoach]

+younes hiphop You're welcome

[@jrfigueroa8755]

REAL,PROVEN,SCIENTIFIC

[@varung8901]

Hi frans your blocking skills were excelent but I want more video how to counter punches tank you

[@thelastshinobi5002]

Does this method works on the street? I mean supposedly someone throws a straight punch into your face and you don't slip it duck it or whatever and you do this method his punch wont knock your hand into your face or bypass your hand and land to your teeth ? ty vm nc video!

[@billjones3497]

Can anyone recommend a workout routine at home for boxing? I’m joining a gym in a few months but need to get in some kind of shape beforehand. Don’t know what to do aside from pushups, sit-ups, and shadow boxing. Thanks!

[@michaeldonatiello1126]

Shadow boxing is by far the most effective training you can undertake in order to be in shape for boxing training. Good luck for your future in boxing. 🥊🥊

[@123...10]

great blocking and counter punch but if u can please send me ur full version by cd or flash

[@myboxingcoach]

+ABDI HEYRU Tons of free stuff on YT Abdi. Also, you can sign up for the drills on the main site page, they are really helpful.

[@loydyman]

Good video - thanks for the demonstration. My suggestions to add to this would be: a) When you 'parry' a jab (as we have always called it), you need to step in with the jab to make it an effective counter (double jab right hand is always good too) b) One of the best counters for parrying a jab, is to step in immediately with a counter left hook

[@omari2306]

No jokes, that palm catch works even without gloves, it's even used in the scene of mma fights.

[@annobismarck7776]

hey fran sands! ...but with the gloves on, its just about to rotate the fist, without opening it, right? thank u

[@myboxingcoach]

Well your hand should be open/relaxed in your glove at all times except when it lands on the opponent's head or body. So you do need to have the open palm to 'catch' if you like.

[@alanspurlock]

i am a southpaw. today i dedicated the session to just a right glove shell block with the tight quick straight left counter. i like what u said about adding a duck. i will use it to take a step to the outside right for a shovel or hook and see if i want to leap out from there.

[@og-primatol5140]

I'm new to boxing. I am trying to fine some really great start up videos, where can u redirect me? Your stuff is simple yet extremely effective.

[@myboxingcoach]

Primatol OnRS One of the play lists on my channel will help, 10 basic skills. Check it out.

[@og-primatol5140]

Thanks man!

[@JuveMohd]

do i always need to block his left jab with my right hand ? because if i block his jab with my left, i could counter his exposed left side with my power right

[@myboxingcoach]

Not always, try your approach, unorthodox but could be effective. Nice thinking

[@andygonet8336]

Fran Sands It is unorthodox. I won my first amatuer contest with that a few years ago. opponent had a lazy jab but a sharper boxer could beat you to the punch. But at novice level it's a cheeky trick.

[@hawkeyegaming5919]

My elbow hurts while punching jab and cross or straight tell me something that can help

[@capone3181]

vishal soni snap your punches and they won’t hurt u r hyper extending your elbow while punching all your punches should b in line

[@hawkeyegaming5919]

capone3181 yeah but it still hurts and one more thing while sparring I can't hit punches to my opponent not much but doing shadow I use my full extension and also punch more than usual help me

[@capone3181]

vishal soni the reason ur elbow is hurting is because u push punching it happened to me before and I started snapping my punches and the pain went away everything has to come off the hips.as for u throwing punches start hitting the heavy bag 1500 punches for 3 rounds and watch your combinations start coming together u will throw more punches just keep everything in line

[@capone3181]

vishal soni If u can’t hit your opponents u need to spar more than u r sparring and spar with people on ur level until u improve when u start snapping your punches u will not feel the pain anymore,form is everything.work on slipping set up your opponent with ur lead hand and the counter fight.that should get u some where

[@frankboxingcoach2116]

Why do you turn your body when parrying the jab?

[@myboxingcoach]

To ensure that you get the body weight behind the block and also so that you get leverage to respond with your own power jab.

[@dna8964]

Articulate coach! Great!

[@myboxingcoach]

Darryl Nuncio :-) Thank you

[@SirLurnAlot]

How about return fire with the same hand you blocked with.

[@bernardblackhurst7792]

Mayweather does it but It'll be slower than countering with your jab and your backhand counter won't have as much power as your usual backhand punch.

[@SirLurnAlot]

Bernard Blackhurst Yea! I've actually used that counter during sparring, but a jab is always faster than a backhand being that the lead hand is closer to it's target. Thanks for the input!

[@mikemichaels8577]

Work the tape on the floor... Balance

[@ferrarifxx08]

queensgambit Bernard Blackhurst If want to return fire with that hand don't just block the punch and stop then shoot. What you do is time their incoming jab, throw a straight right over that jab which kind of slaps his his jab down then continues on it's path to his face. That's what Mayweather does.

[@azcardinalds2360]

This is stupid. In real life you are not going to have that punch land perfectly in your palm

[@myboxingcoach]

it absolutely does. boxing is about precision and repetition. if you cannot stop the incoming jab in the palm of your back hand then you have not practiced enough.

[@azcardinalds2360]

+Fran Sands but were your catching it is I between your shoulder and your neck and they're not going to punch there, unless you but you hand I front of your face but then you will end up hitting yourself with the back of your hand

[@myboxingcoach]

+Az cardinalds Check out my video on the back hand block. If you put a weak hand up then exactly what you said is true. If you do it how I say in this video the you'll hold the shot off no problem. It's an old vid but worth a few minutes of your time. Hope it helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2be3SFotKSnq8

[@combatfitness7092]

+Az cardinalds says who? you? i am able to block it using the palm.. its a common technique.. look how ggg counters his opponents jab.. he does the palm catch then fires with his own jab.. dont be a boxing noob and talk nonsense

[@FLMKane]

According to your logic Jack Johnson was a stupid fighter.... Riiiiight