How do you perform a parry in boxing?

A parry is a short, sharp deflection of an incoming punch using the palm or knuckle of the rear hand. It redirects the punch off-line by an inch or two, just enough to miss, and opens up a clean counter.

What are the key points for parrying a jab?

Use the rear hand to parry the jab inward toward the centreline, which opens up the cross counter. A parry is a small movement of 2-4 inches, not a swat, and you should keep your eyes on the opponent's chest, not the glove.

How do you parry a cross?

Use the lead hand to parry the cross outward. Every parry should set up a counter, such as a parry-cross or parry-hook.

What are common mistakes when parrying?

Common mistakes include reaching for the parry, which opens the hand line to a feint-and-real-punch combination; parrying too late; standing static while parrying; and failing to follow up with a counter.

What drills can help improve parrying?

Drills include a partner drill where you parry slow jabs with the rear hand and tap the body, a mitt drill where you parry on every beat of a metronome, and a combination drill practicing parry-cross-hook for 5 rounds against a partner.

defenseintermediate

Parry

In Short

A parry is a short, sharp deflection of an incoming punch using the palm or knuckle of the rear hand, redirecting the punch off-line by an inch or two to open up a clean counter. Key techniques involve using the rear hand to parry jabs inward and the lead hand to parry crosses outward, always setting up a counter.

A short, sharp deflection of an incoming punch using the palm or knuckle of the rear hand. The parry redirects the punch off-line by an inch or two — just enough to miss — and opens up a clean counter. Larry Holmes used the parry to set up the right cross; Vasiliy Lomachenko parries the jab with the rear hand and immediately steps to a new angle.

Key points

▸Use the rear hand to parry the jab inward (toward the centreline) — this opens the cross counter.
▸A parry is a small movement — 2-4 inches — not a swat.
▸Eyes on the opponent's chest, not the glove.
▸Use the lead hand to parry the cross outward.
▸Every parry should set up a counter — parry-cross or parry-hook.

Common mistakes

✗Reaching for the parry — opens the hand line to a feint-and-real-punch combination.
✗Parrying too late — the punch is already past.
✗Standing static while parrying — the parry is a head-and-shoulder move too.
✗No counter — wasted defensive action.

Drills

Partner drill: partner throws slow jabs; you parry every one with the rear hand and tap the body.
Mitt drill: catcher throws single jabs at the rhythm of a metronome; you parry on every beat.
Combination: parry-cross-hook for 5 rounds against a partner.

Related techniques

Catch and Counter Block Pull Counter Counter Jab

Frequently Asked

How do you perform a parry in boxing?: A parry is a short, sharp deflection of an incoming punch using the palm or knuckle of the rear hand. It redirects the punch off-line by an inch or two, just enough to miss, and opens up a clean counter.
What are the key points for parrying a jab?: Use the rear hand to parry the jab inward toward the centreline, which opens up the cross counter. A parry is a small movement of 2-4 inches, not a swat, and you should keep your eyes on the opponent's chest, not the glove.
How do you parry a cross?: Use the lead hand to parry the cross outward. Every parry should set up a counter, such as a parry-cross or parry-hook.
What are common mistakes when parrying?: Common mistakes include reaching for the parry, which opens the hand line to a feint-and-real-punch combination; parrying too late; standing static while parrying; and failing to follow up with a counter.
What drills can help improve parrying?: Drills include a partner drill where you parry slow jabs with the rear hand and tap the body, a mitt drill where you parry on every beat of a metronome, and a combination drill practicing parry-cross-hook for 5 rounds against a partner.