A good defense is key to dominating in a boxing match, and learning defensive moves is as important as throwing powerful punches. One underrated but essential defensive skill is the parry. There are several different defensive techniques that you should know when it comes to boxing. Whether you’re just starting as a boxer or an experienced fighter, using the parry in boxing can drastically improve your ring control, timing, and overall confidence.
At Sting Sports, we advise boxers to apply smart defensive fundamentals to help them stay safe while creating scoring opportunities. Let's uncover all the essential things you should know regarding parrying to improve your defensive skills in boxing.
What Is a Parry in Boxing?
As a beginner, one might ask, what is a parry in boxing? It is a subtle defensive movement where you redirect an opponent’s punch away from its target using your hand or forearm instead of absorbing the impact. A parry in boxing is used to knock down punches thrown by your opponent. Unlike a slip or a block, a parry is a defensive move with immediate offensive intent. The goal of a parry is to:
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Deflect: The key to executing a parry is to time your opponent’s punch to “knock” it down right before it hits your face. Parries are very effective from a long-range fighting stance and are especially good for defending against long-range opponent strikes.
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Disrupt: When you parry, it is important not to overcompensate from an incoming punch; fakes and feints leave you wide open to getting knocked out.
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Create Openings: When executed properly, the parry will leave your opponent wide open for a counterpunch.
Learning this technique allows you to control the distance and rhythm of the fight without sacrificing energy on heavy blocks.
What are the Types of Parry?
Mainly, there are three techniques to parry in boxing. These include:
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Inside Parry: This parry involves pushing the opponent's punch inward, directing the glove across your own centerline and toward your opponent's opposite shoulder. It is often used to deflect jabs and immediately set up a counter with your power hand. If you practice this defensive technique slowly on a punching bag, it will develop timing and accuracy that you can apply in the ring.
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Outside Parry: The outside parry involves forcing your opponent’s hands outward to the side, away from your torso. It puts you in a good position to counter with a lead hook, and it is an effective way to deflect powerful punches without absorbing the impact.
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Down Parry: The down parry technique works best against straight punches, such as crosses and jabs. To use a down parry, simply tap your opponent’s hands downward as they are throwing a punch. It is the easiest type of parrying technique to learn due to its simplicity.
How to Parry in Boxing: The Technique
Learning "how to parry in boxing" needs accuracy and patience. It's about timing and finesse, not power.
Key Steps
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Stay Relaxed: Tension is the enemy of timing. Keep your shoulders loose and your hands up high.
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Use the Right Hand: Use the hand closest to the incoming punch (e.g., use your lead hand to parry a jab).
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Flick, Don't Push: Use a small, quick flick of the wrist and forearm to redirect the punch. You should only contact the glove's wrist or forearm area. Do not meet the punch head-on.
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Footwork: Maintain your position or take a small step forward as you parry to close distance and set up your counter.
Parry vs. Blocking
While both are defensive techniques, parrying and blocking have fundamentally different goals and results. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective ring management and counter-punching.
Feature |
Parry |
Block |
Goal |
Deflection and Counter-Attack |
Absorption and Protection |
Contact |
Minimal, just enough to redirect |
Full impact, absorbing force |
Energy Use |
Very low (quick wrist movement) |
Moderate (requires bracing) |
Counter-Attack |
Immediate and seamless |
Requires resetting after impact |
Vulnerability |
High if mistimed |
Lower, but punch impact remains |
Safety and Equipment Considerations
Proper training should always be done with the right protective gear, especially when practicing defensive drills at higher speeds. Using quality boxing gloves, supportive boxing shoes, and well-fitted hand wraps ensures both safety and performance during training.
For staying protected in the ring or practicing your defensive moves outside the ring, it’s important to understand why it’s important to use high-quality boxing protective gear when developing offensive and defensive skills.
Conclusion:
The parry is the ultimate expression of control in boxing defense. It turns your opponent's aggression into your opportunity, allowing you to counter immediately and precisely. By learning to apply this technique, you move from simply defending yourself from an incoming punch to intelligent and effective counter-punching. Dedicate time to mastering the parry in boxing, and watch your success in the ring soar.
Sting Sports is committed to helping you develop this important skill by guiding you throughout your boxing journey and providing you with high-quality boxing gear.
FAQs
Q1. What is a parry in boxing, and why is it better than a block?
A parry in boxing is a subtle defensive move that redirects the punch, unlike blocking, which absorbs the impact. It's better because it saves your energy and allows you to set up a counter-punch.
Q2. What is the key to learning how to parry in boxing?
The key to learning how to parry in boxing is developing exact timing, using only a light flicking of your hand, and staying relaxed to avoid overcompensation.
Q3. Which hand should I use when parrying my opponent's jab?
You should always use the hand closest to the incoming punch. To parry an opponent's jab (if they are orthodox), use your lead hand.
