The goals of this module are

• to learn to defend yourself as a boxer,
• to minimise wasting of energy and
• to be generally more safe and secure.

How it’s done

Blocking = Avoiding and defending against the jab, uppercut and hooks

The term “blocking” is used to refer to several different defensive techniques. The most common form of blocking occurs when you catch an incoming punch with your rear hand. It’s almost like catching a baseball in a mitt. As an incoming punch moves toward your face:

1. Move your rear hand towards the center of your face.
2. Turn your glove so that your palm faces your opponent.
3. Keep your elbow tight to your body.
4. Focus your eyes on the opponent by looking over your glove.
5. Rock back slightly as the punch makes contact with your glove.

Practise:

This can be done first by shadow boxing and then by practicing with a partner or the coach. The coach demonstrates the block and then the children try in pairs. Each gets a chance to try to block.