Changing positions with the start of a new punch spoils deception. When punches begin from on-guard position the opponent does not know whether a left, a right, a jab, or a hook is coming.
Both boys in a pair should simultaneously throw left jabs to the jaw. This is boxing training practice since both boys learn the block as well as the punch. The heads should roll a bit to the right, and the right hands should catch the left jabs just a few inches from the chins, but the right gloves still do not come into contact with the faces. Frequently a boxer makes the mistake of holding his right glove against his face. Also guard against the mistake of instinctively reaching out with the right glove to block a jab. Have your boys draw back into the on-guard position, practicing the blow and block. Stress again and again that, after the jab, the arm comes straight back, thereby offsetting a possible right-hand counter.
The puncher immediately follows the left jab with the right cross. Proper timing is all-important. The right cross must instantly follow the left jab.
Practicing the Right Cross
From the on-guard position the blocker for convenience lowers his left arm to give the puncher practice in landing the right cross.
The puncher follows straight through. His left hand is back protecting, and also in position to punch. Always, one hand out, one hand back. The puncher draws back into the on-guard position.
Counter for the Right Cross
For convenience in practice during boxing training, the blocker should drop his left arm. In an actual bout he would keep his left high and counter a right hand by a left jab to the shoulder of the original puncher or by a jab to the jaw. Emphasize that a good jabber can beat a right-hand puncher nine times out of ten. The left hand travels only a short distance to the point of contact, whereas the right cross must travel at least twice the distance to the point of contact.
If you practice these Boxing Training Tips in your boxing lessons you will be sure to show steady improvement.
