In and Out

The most dangerous thing you do

Nobody gets hit at long range. Almost everybody gets hit while entering or leaving. The distance between out-of-range and punching-range is a single step, and that step is the whole problem.

The rule is simple to state and hard to obey: never enter empty-handed and never leave in a straight line.

DemostraciónRange bands drawn as horizontal zones, with the entry step crossing from out-of-range into punching range

Entering

The jab enters for you. Thrown with the half-step from lesson two of the fundamentals course, it arrives at the same moment you do, which means the other person is dealing with a punch instead of dealing with you.

1. Half-step and jab together.
2. The rest of your combination follows only if the jab found the range. If it fell short, you are not in yet.
3. Your head does not lead. The lead shoulder and the fist arrive first.

Leaving

Stepping straight back keeps you on the same line you were just on. It is the direction they are already punching down.

Better exits:

• Step back at an angle. Diagonally rearward, toward your lead side.
• Pivot out. Turn off the line rather than retreating along it.
• Step in. Counter-intuitive and often correct — closing further can smother a punch that needs room to travel.

Whichever you use, your eyes stay on them the entire time. Turning your head to look where you are going is how people get caught.

Count your own combinations. Three punches in and out is a good exchange. Six punches in and out is a good exchange for the other person.

DemostraciónA boxer exiting on a rearward diagonal after a combination, still facing the opponent with the guard up

Drill it

Two rounds on a bag: enter with jab-cross, exit at an angle, reset to range, repeat. Never more than three punches. Then two rounds with a partner throwing a single punch back every time you enter — your job is to be gone before it arrives. If you get touched, your exit was straight.