What is the difference between slipping outside and inside the jab?

Slipping outside the jab (away from the opponent's centreline) is the safest exit and opens the rear hand for a body shot. Slipping inside the jab is more dangerous as the chin enters the cross line but offers a counter rear cross.

How should you perform a slip correctly?

A slip is a head-and-shoulder movement involving a torso bend at the waist, not a full lean. The feet must stay planted, and the body should return to centre immediately after the movement.

What are common mistakes to avoid when slipping?

Common mistakes include leaning the entire body which destroys balance, slipping with eyes shut, holding the slip position which leaves you open to combinations, and slipping the wrong direction against a strong cross.

What drills can help practice the slip?

Effective drills include the slip-rope drill (slipping under a horizontal rope for 3 minutes), a partner slow-jab drill where you slip and tap the body, and heavy-bag work where you slip an imaginary jab and throw a body cross.

defenseintermediate

Slip

In Short

The slip is a sharp head-and-shoulder movement that moves the chin off the line of an incoming straight punch while keeping feet planted. Slipping outside the jab is safer and opens the body for a shot, while slipping inside offers a counter cross but carries more risk.

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

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

Fighters who use the slip

Pernell Whitaker

Related techniques

Roll Pull Counter Peek-a-Boo Slip-Cross

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between slipping outside and inside the jab?: Slipping outside the jab (away from the opponent's centreline) is the safest exit and opens the rear hand for a body shot. Slipping inside the jab is more dangerous as the chin enters the cross line but offers a counter rear cross.
How should you perform a slip correctly?: A slip is a head-and-shoulder movement involving a torso bend at the waist, not a full lean. The feet must stay planted, and the body should return to centre immediately after the movement.
What are common mistakes to avoid when slipping?: Common mistakes include leaning the entire body which destroys balance, slipping with eyes shut, holding the slip position which leaves you open to combinations, and slipping the wrong direction against a strong cross.
What drills can help practice the slip?: Effective drills include the slip-rope drill (slipping under a horizontal rope for 3 minutes), a partner slow-jab drill where you slip and tap the body, and heavy-bag work where you slip an imaginary jab and throw a body cross.