slipping punches (again)

[Chris Nagel]

Hi nijak,

A slip is in response to a punch, otherwise it's just head movement. A common mistake that a lot new guys make is to slip before a punch is thrown. Anyway, I think that it's very good that you're approaching it logically. So you start off with the jab, which will provoke some sort of response from your opponent, right? So then you need to find out what is their likely response may be. There will probably be certain moves that they will be more apt to do than others, say catch/parry and counter jab. If you know that they're going to counter jab, then it will be easier to anticipate and slip.

To get the movement and timing down, I recommend working with a coach or partner and practice slipping actual punches. They shouldn't have to tell you when to slip, nor give any indication that they're going to punch. Slipping is a reaction, and it takes a lot practice to get down. With a lot of practice inside and out of the ring, you may gradually experience a change of perception. With experience, incoming punches will begin to look like openings, and your responses will become instinctive.

When you slip a punch, you need to be in a position to counter. That's why often a slip is accompanied with a step forward, you gotta get close enough to go to work.