A solid parry not only protects you from getting hit but also sets up opportunities for quick counterattacks. It’s a subtle yet effective defensive move that every boxer, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, should have in their toolkit. In this article, we’ll break down what a parry is, the types you can use, and how to train it effectively while keeping common mistakes in mind.
What is a Parry in Boxing?
A parry is a simple but powerful defensive move where you deflect your opponent’s punch using your hands. Instead of blocking or dodging entirely, you simply redirect the punch, making it miss its mark with minimal effort.
The beauty of a parry lies in its efficiency, you don’t have to move a lot or throw your opponent off balance. You just give the punch a slight push, making sure it goes off target. Parrying helps you stay close enough to counter while keeping your own stance and rhythm intact.
Unlike a block, which absorbs the full impact of a punch, a parry uses a lighter touch to deflect it. This makes it easier to maintain your balance and prepare for the next move, whether that’s defense or offense. You can parry straight punches like jabs and crosses, and with a bit of practice, you can even deflect hooks or body shot
Types of Parry in Boxing
There’s more than one way to parry a punch, and each has its own use depending on the situation. Here are some common types.
1. Standard Parry (Straight Punch Parry)
This is the basic parry used against straight punches like the jab or cross. As the punch comes toward you, use your hand to tap it slightly off course. For example, if an opponent throws a jab, you use your rear hand to push it just enough to the side. The key here is to make it quick and controlled, keeping your hand close to your guard.
2. Down Parry (Drop Parry)
This parry is for body shots. When an opponent aims low, you use your hand to push the punch downward, redirecting it away from your midsection. It’s a useful move against fighters who like to work the body, as it allows you to protect yourself without dropping your hands too far.
3. Side Parry (Redirect Parry)
This parry works well against wider punches like hooks. Instead of trying to block the full force of the punch, you redirect it to the side, making it miss. It’s a handy technique for staying inside the pocket while maintaining control.
4. Double Parry
This is used when dealing with combinations. Let’s say your opponent throws a jab-cross combo, you use one hand to parry the jab and the other to parry the cross. It’s a quick, reactive move that keeps you protected during rapid exchanges.
Advantages of Using Parry in Boxing
- Saves Energy: Parrying is more efficient than blocking or slipping. You’re not using a lot of energy, just enough to redirect the punch.
- Maintains Balance: Unlike bigger defensive moves, parrying keeps you stable and ready for the next move. You’re still in a position to counter without being off balance.
- Sets Up Counters: A well-timed parry creates perfect openings for counterpunches. You can quickly transition from defense to offense, catching your opponent off guard.
- Frustrates Opponents: Parrying can mess with your opponent’s rhythm. It makes their punches feel less effective, which can lead to frustration and mistakes.
- Improves Control: By mastering the parry, you can control the pace of the fight. It allows you to stay in the pocket and dictate the terms of the exchanges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcommitting
A parry is meant to be a small, subtle movement. If you overcommit by using a big, sweeping motion, you risk throwing yourself off balance, making it harder to defend against follow-up punches.
Overcommitting also leaves gaps in your guard, making you vulnerable to fast combinations. To avoid this, focus on keeping your parry compact and controlled, redirecting punches just enough to miss their target.
2. Dropping Your Hands
After a parry, it’s crucial to return your hand to the guard position immediately. Dropping your hands not only exposes you to counters but also disrupts your defensive rhythm, making you slower to react to follow-up attacks.
This habit can be especially dangerous against skilled opponents who are quick to exploit openings. Keep your hands up and ready to maintain a strong defensive stance.
3. Parrying Too Early or Too Late
Timing is everything when it comes to parrying. Parrying too early can signal your intentions, giving your opponent time to adjust their punch mid-motion. On the other hand, parrying too late can result in absorbing the punch’s impact, making the parry ineffective.
To improve timing, focus on reading your opponent’s body language and anticipate punches rather than react hastily.
4. Forgetting to Counter
Parrying creates openings, so don’t let them go to waste. Failing to follow up a successful parry with a counterpunch means you’re missing valuable opportunities to turn defense into offense.
Not only does this make your parry less effective, but it can also allow your opponent to regain their rhythm. Make it a habit to pair your parry with a quick, accurate counter to maximize its effectiveness.
5. Ignoring Footwork
Good footwork should always accompany a parry. Staying static while parrying limits your options for counters and makes it harder to maintain defensive angles.
Proper footwork helps you create new angles for counterattacks and allows for quick recovery in case your parry doesn’t fully redirect the punch. Practice combining parries with pivots, lateral steps, or slips to enhance your overall defense.
Want to master the parry and sharpen your boxing defense? Join boxing class at Ubud Muay Thai! Our expert trainers will guide you through defensive techniques like the parry, helping you build confidence, control, and counterpunching skills.