Glossary

Head Movement

Technique

The practice of moving the head off the center line to avoid punches. Includes slipping, bobbing and weaving, and pulling back.

Related Technique
Slip Outside

A defensive maneuver where you move your head off the center line to the outside of an incoming straight punch by crunching the obliques laterally. The slip positions your head on the safer side of the opponent's punching arm, away from their rear hand follow-up. More than a pure defense move, the outside slip is an offensive weapon in disguise — it loads your rear side for a devastating counter cross while making the opponent miss.

More Technique Terms

Angle

A position off the center line of the opponent, created through footwork. Fighting at angles makes you harder to hit and opens up new lines of attack.

Backpedal

Moving straight backward. Generally considered bad footwork because it surrenders ring position and can lead to being trapped against the ropes.

Bob and Weave

A defensive head movement technique where the fighter ducks under punches in a U-shaped motion, shifting weight laterally to avoid hooks.

Body Shot

Any punch targeted at the torso, including the ribs, liver, and solar plexus. Body shots accumulate damage and slow down opponents over rounds.

Catch

Using the open glove to absorb an incoming punch, neutralizing its impact while maintaining guard position.

Check Hook

A lead hook thrown while simultaneously pivoting away from an advancing opponent. Uses the opponent's forward momentum against them.

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