What Is a Parry?
A parry is a small, sharp deflection of an incoming punch using your hand.
Unlike blocking (which absorbs the force), a parry redirects it. You use your rear hand to tap the opponent's jab across your body, pushing it off target.
This opens a clear lane for your counter punch and throws off the opponent's balance and rhythm.
How to Execute the Parry
The parry uses minimal movement. You are not swatting at the punch â you are redirecting it with a crisp, small tap.
From your guard, use the open palm of your rear hand to tap the incoming jab to the outside.
The motion is small â move your hand about four inches. No more.
Tap the jab toward the outside of your lead shoulder, clearing the center line.
As you parry, load your counter at the same time â usually a straight cross right down the middle.
Fire the counter immediately. The parry creates a split-second opening that closes fast.
What Makes a Good Parry vs. a Bad One
A good parry is small, sharp, and immediately followed by a counter.
A bad parry reaches out toward the incoming punch (leaving your guard wide open), uses excessive motion (wasting energy and telegraphing), or is not followed by anything offensive.
Remember: the parry exists to create a counter opportunity. If you parry and do nothing, you are just playing defense for no reason.
Drilling the Parry-Counter
This is one of the most practical drills in boxing, and it translates directly to sparring.
Have your partner throw single jabs at about 50% speed. Parry each jab with your rear hand and immediately fire a counter cross.
Once the timing feels natural, have your partner increase the speed. Then progress to parrying double jabs, and eventually parrying the jab and slipping the follow-up cross.
Follow @CoachJoshOfficial for visual breakdowns of these techniques.
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