Block

Stopping a punch with the glove or arm. The simplest defence in boxing, used at high frequency when an opponent throws combinations. The trick is to block with the forearm or palm — not the elbow joint or the face. A well-thrown block soaks the punch and immediately opens a counter; a poorly thrown block (elbows flared) does no defensive work.

Key points

• ▸Block a head punch with the same-side glove at the brow.
• ▸Block a body punch with the same-side elbow tight to the ribs.
• ▸Never block with the forearm flat — let the glove or elbow do the work.
• ▸Stay relaxed under the block — tension transmits the impact to the head.
• ▸Block AND counter — every block sets up a return.

Common mistakes

• ✗Flared elbows — opens the ribs to the body shot beneath the block.
• ✗Tense arms — transmits impact and slows the counter.
• ✗Static block — no counter follows.
• ✗Blocking with the back of the glove instead of the palm — bones bruise.

Drills

1. Wall blocks: stand against a wall, partner throws light hooks; block each one with the same-side glove.
2. Mitts: catcher throws random hooks; you block with the correct side every time.
3. Combination drill: block-cross-hook for 5 rounds.

Related techniques