4 Head Movement Techniques to avoid head injuries in Boxing
In a boxing match, the one thought that will be lurking in the mind of your opponent will be to deliver a knock-out blow that will most likely turn your lights off. These types of blows include direct hits on your head, nose, or chin. Meaning your head is the biggest and most vulnerable target of your opponent.
A direct fit on your face can do more than to just switch you off. It can damage your brain and cause many other health conditions. And it is not the sport’s or rule fault, after all, it is one of the most physical sports in the world. However, you should not suffer head injuries, broken nose, bleeding gums, and concussions just because you are practising boxing.
When you are in the ring you have the control to anticipate and counter the offences of your opponent. A good boxer always remembers not to underestimate their opponent and learn extensively the techniques and moves of self-defence to ensure maximum protection against avoidable injuries.
All of your body parts should be protected in the match but getting several hits by the opponent is inevitable. However, one of the most important body parts that will keep you in the match and will allow you to fight is your head (brain).
One direct hit on your head, nose, or chin will either knock you out cold or will hurt you bad enough for your opponent to capitalize on the opportunity and deliver follow up attacks. Therefore protecting your head during a match or even during practice is a must.
Don’t know how to protect your head to stay in the game and avoid any brain damage? Read on and we shall share with you the three most effective head movement techniques that you can use to protect your head and avoid getting knockout out.
Table of Contents
Boxing Head Movement Techniques
1. Use the infamous Duck & Pivot method
With the right training, your neck can become as agile as a cat’s body. This technique is used worldwide and involves high coordination between your neck and lower body. Agility and flexibility is the key here. This technique involves you ducking underneath your opponent’s punch while leaning forward with one foot while backing aways quickly with your other foot.
Not only you will counter the punch of your opponent but using this stance correctly will systematically place you in the position to deliver a counterattack.
Read: Biggest Fitness Trends
2. The ingenious slip & counter
This is one of the most favourite defence and counterattack stance that many boxing professionals swear by. The effectiveness of this stance comes from the fact that it is extremely unexpected and fast that it does not give your opponent the chance of anticipating and reading your move.
You can use this stance by swiftly and quickly moving your head to the opposite direction (protecting your head) from a punch and then deliver a quick counterattack with your one arm targeting the opponent’s head and the other arm attacking the mid-section of the challenger.
Read: Ready to join a Gym
3. Pull and Counter (Aka the perfect defence)
As the name suggests it is one of the most effective and famous defence mechanisms ever devised in the history of boxing(1). The effectiveness of this stance stems from the fact that it not only can confuse the challenger but can lure them in your trap where you can deliver your own offence moves.
To use this defence and offence mechanism move your head way back beyond the range of your challenger’s punch and while leaning in rapidly before your challenger retracts their arm. This technique can be so simple yet so hard to master as it requires you to strike at perfect timing while moving rapidly.
Bonus Tip: While practising and training for your boxing matches ensure you wear proper ring attire to prevent any ring related infectious diseases and accidental or unintended injuries. To protect your head to the maximum extent use Elite Sport’s boxing headgear. And if you need more attire items, be sure to check out Elite Sport’s Boxing mitts and pads sportswear collection.
As much as people love to see a knockout ensure you are not the one who is getting knocked out and all of these mentioned head movement techniques will help you to protect your head from sustaining major injuries. However, it is not advised that you try to use all of these methods. Pick one stance and master it and then move on to learning the others.
Recommend Articles:
Choosing the Right Muay Thai Gloves
