Techniques and terms

In boxing there are many different techniques and terms to learn.  Below is a decription of all the ones we use:

Attacking terms:

• Jab: this is the busiest shot in boxing and is delivered with the hand of the foot which is forward.  Should be performed with a snap and brought back as quick as is brought forward.
• Cross/ straight right: this is a power punch and should be delivered with rotation of your waist and with a full shoulder stretch.  It should be thrown from a straight line from your chin so you can 'see down the punch'.
• Uppercut: this punch is thrown from close range and is very powerful and effective if done correctly.  It is thrown with the elbows travelling towards hips and up so your head comes slightly forward and down.  The hips should be brought forward too because this generates more power. 
• Hook: this again is a very powerful punch and can be thrown with the left or right hands.  It can be thrown from short, medium or long range.  To deliver this punch you bring your elbow out so it is parallel with the floor and pivot your body round on the approriate foot.  A well delivered hook on your opponents chin will surely knock him out.
• Feint: this is a dummy attack.  Done to make your opponent block a punch that isnt coming.  Very useful if followed up with any kind of attack.
• Switch Attack: simply an attack to the body then to the head or visa versa.
• Off load: a series of any punches

Defensive terms:

• Parry: this is when you block a straight punch by knocking your opponents punch at the wrist.  If done well you can throw your opponent off balance.
• Catch: used to stop an on-coming shot.  Usually performed to stop a jab because a backhand may prove too powerful to be able to 'catch'
• Slip: a simple move, similar to a duck but done by rotating the shoulders whilst travelling downward.  This is used to avoid any straight or hook shot. 
• Duck: simply ducking.  However when ducking rotation of the legs and waist is needed to be able to come back with a powerful 'winded up' shot.
• Role: ducking the head and body down and under an opponents shot in a semi-circle shape.  If performed correctly your opponent will miss you completely with a possibiltity of leaving himself open.
• Layback: leaning back
• Step in: stepping forward 
• Step Out: stepping backwards 
• Wedge Block: block to defend a hook.  Done by bringing the appropriate arm up so the hook bounces off your shoulder. 
• Forearm Block: straight shot block.  Done by bringing the forearms together to cover your face and body.

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