Counterpunching Excellence in Boxing – Blocking a Jab!

The boxing technique described in this article is the ultimate defensive ‘reactive’ skill and opens up the world of counterpunching.  Blocking a punch is a defensive reaction, a direct response to a specific action by the opponent, in this case an incoming jab.  This ‘reactive’ element is different from slipping, ducking or bobbing and weaving as they are defensive actions that take place as evasive activities to make it difficult for an opponent to target effectively.  This is a key distinction 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!

The Mechanics of Blocking the Jab

The description here assumes an orthodox versus an orthodox.  It is the back hand (right hand) that blocks the incoming jab.  If you want to understand more about boxing stances, then download the free report which covers southpaw versus orthodox.

The mechanics of blocking an incoming jab are:

1. The first move is a push from the back foot.  This push from the back foot provides the drive to rotate the hips and upper body in a counter-clockwise direction.
2. The back hand (right hand) moves between 3 and 5 inches and at the same time the wrist rotates 90 degrees in a clockwise direction.
3. The palm opens to ‘catch’ the incoming jab.
4. After blocking the shot, the hand returns instantly to the ‘home’ position.

To add further information to the advice here, look at the video at Boxing Techniques – Counterpunching with the Block.

Common Faults When Blocking the Jab

The key faults that occur when a boxer attempts to block an opponent’s jab are:

1. The boxer reaches too far for the incoming shot.  Ensure that the hand moves no more than 3 to 5 inches away from the ‘home’ position otherwise a large gap will be left in your own defense!
2. The move becomes an ‘arm only’ action.  If the initial drive is not provided by the back foot pushing (thereby rotating the upper body), then it is highly likely that the arm will not be strong enough to ‘keep out’ the jab.  Basically, the opponent’s jab will pile through your defense and straight into your face!
3. This block is a platform for counterpunching.  A major mistake is to successfully block the punch but not take advantage by throwing your own shot!  This is an opportunity wasted and against a high standard of opponent opportunities don’t come along that often.  Furthermore, when you throw your counterpunch, it must be instant.  Your own jab should land whilst your opponent’s jab is still in the palm of your hand…yes, really that fast!

Enjoy using this boxing technique.  Successfully blocking an opponent’s punch really does open the door for top class counterpunching.  For more information and advice, check out the associated video on Boxing Techniques – Counterpunching with the Block.