Slip

A short, sharp head movement that takes the chin off the line of an incoming straight punch. Slipping outside the jab (away from the opponent's centreline) is the safest exit, opening the rear hand for a body shot. Slipping inside the jab is more dangerous (the chin is now in the cross line) but offers the counter rear cross. The slip is a head-and-shoulder movement, not a full lean — the feet stay planted, and the body returns to centre immediately.

Key points

• ▸Slip with the head AND shoulder — not just the head.
• ▸Feet stay planted; the slip is a torso bend at the waist.
• ▸Slip OUTSIDE the jab (away from centre) for safety, INSIDE for counter.
• ▸Eyes stay on the opponent's chest, not on the punch.
• ▸Return to centre immediately — never hold the slip position.

Common mistakes

• ✗Leaning the entire body — destroys balance.
• ✗Slipping with the eyes shut.
• ✗Holding the slip position — gets caught by the second punch in a combination.
• ✗Slipping the wrong direction (inside when the opponent has a strong cross).

Drills

1. Slip-rope drill: a horizontal rope at head height; slip under it side-to-side for 3 minutes.
2. Partner slow-jab drill: partner throws slow jabs at half-speed; you slip each one and tap the body.
3. Heavy-bag: slip an imaginary jab, throw a body cross, repeat for 3 rounds.

Related techniques