A good slip can make your opponent miss so badly they feel like they’re punching a ghost. But it’s more than just ducking your head—it’s about angled head movement, balance, and the ability to counter instantly. If you only move your head without control, you’ll end up off-balance, eating hooks, or twisting your back. Do it right, and you’ll frustrate your opponent, conserve energy, and create openings for clean counters.
1. What Slipping Really Is
Slipping isn’t about dodging punches with big dramatic moves. It’s a small, controlled angle change of your head—just enough for a straight punch to sail past.
Think of it like moving your head off the “centerline” while keeping your body ready to fire back. You’re not running away—you’re stepping just outside the danger zone.
Pro Tip: The best slips are almost invisible to the opponent until it’s too late.
2. The Mechanics of a Proper Slip
Here’s how to break it down:
- Keep your guard up. Your hands still protect your chin.
- Rotate your shoulders and upper torso slightly—not your waist alone.
- Bend your knees slightly to help with balance.
- Move your head just outside the punch line—about 2–4 inches, not a foot.
Coach’s drill: Stand in front of a mirror. Throw a jab with your lead hand, then simulate your opponent’s jab coming back. Slip to your lead side, then your rear side, keeping your stance intact.
3. Angled Head Movement vs. Straight Back Movement
Many beginners instinctively lean straight back to avoid a punch. This works—once—until a faster fighter adjusts and lands the next shot. Angled head movement is safer because it shifts you off the line while keeping you in range to counter.
Pro Tip: Think diagonal, not vertical. Your head should move to the side and slightly down, not just back.
4. Slipping to the Lead Side (Inside Slip)
This is when you slip toward your lead leg—usually to avoid an opponent’s jab.
- Rotate your torso slightly forward.
- Drop your lead shoulder.
- Keep your eyes locked on the opponent’s chest to read follow-up shots.
Counter Option: Jab to the body or lead uppercut immediately after the slip.
5. Slipping to the Rear Side (Outside Slip)
This is for slipping away from their power hand—often the safer option.
- Rotate your rear shoulder forward slightly.
- Keep your rear knee bent to stay low.
- Avoid leaning too far, or you’ll lose balance for counters.
Counter Option: Straight cross or overhand right (for orthodox fighters) as you come back to center.
6. Common Mistakes That Kill Your Slip
- Over-slipping: Moving too far takes you out of position for a counter.
- Dropping your guard: Even during a slip, hands stay up.
- Looking away: Always keep your eyes on your opponent—if you can’t see the next punch, you can’t defend it.
Coach’s note: A good slip keeps you close enough to smell the leather, not far enough to need to chase them down.
7. Drills to Build Slip Reflexes at Home
Rope Drill: String a rope at shoulder height across your training space. Move along it, slipping left and right under imaginary straight punches.
Partner Shadow Drill: Have a partner throw slow jabs and crosses in the air while you slip at the right angle.
Slip + Counter Drill: For every slip, throw a counter immediately—make it automatic.
Final Advice & Call to Action
Slipping is a skill that turns defense into offense in a split second. Keep it tight, keep it balanced, and always be ready to fire back. The goal isn’t just to avoid a punch—it’s to make your opponent pay for missing.
Wrap up your hands, get in front of a mirror or a rope, and start slipping with purpose. Every smooth head movement you practice now will save you from a hard shot later. Train smart, stay sharp, and make them miss every time.
