In Muay Thai, defense is just as important as offense. Many beginners focus only on punching and kicking, but if you can’t avoid strikes, your attacks won’t matter. This class introduces one of the most effective defensive tools in boxing and Muay Thai: the slip. Today, we’ll combine punching combinations with slips to improve reflexes, timing, and overall coordination.
Why Slips Matter
A slip is not just “dodging.” It’s about making your opponent miss by a few inches while staying balanced and ready to counter. Instead of wasting energy with big movements, we use small, sharp motions. When paired with combinations, slips create a natural flow between attack and defense—helping you stay unpredictable in the ring.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Basic Slip Mechanics
- Keep your stance stable, hands up in guard.
- To slip left: bend your knees slightly, rotate your shoulders, and bring your head just off the center line.
- To slip right: same motion, but to the opposite side.
- Important: Never lean too far—your head should move just enough to avoid the strike.
2. Punch + Slip Combos
Here are some beginner-friendly combinations to practice:
- Combo 1: Jab → Cross → Slip left
- Combo 2: Jab → Slip right → Cross
- Combo 3: Jab → Cross → Hook → Slip right
- Combo 4: Jab → Slip left → Cross → Hook
These combinations teach you how to blend offense and defense into one smooth motion.
3. Adding Counters After Slips
Once you’re comfortable, add a strike right after your slip. Example:
- Jab → Cross → Slip left → Hook to the body
- Jab → Slip right → Cross → Round kick
This makes your defense active, punishing your opponent when they miss.
Drills for Class
- Shadowboxing
- Practice slipping after every punch or combo.
- Focus on smooth transitions—don’t rush.
- Pad Work
- Have your partner feed punches after each combo.
- Slip them correctly and fire back with a counter strike.
- Reflex Drill
- Your partner throws light jabs at random.
- Instead of blocking, practice slipping and returning a quick counter jab.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaning too far → Stay balanced, keep your weight centered.
- Dropping your hands while slipping → Your guard must stay tight.
- Slipping too early → Wait for the punch to come, then move. Timing is everything.
Safety Tips
- Warm up your neck and shoulders before practice. Slips require mobility.
- Start slow. Build good habits before adding speed and power.
- Never exaggerate the slip—small movements are safer and faster.
Final Coach’s Notes
This class builds the foundation of real fight reflexes. Remember: the best fighters don’t just hit hard—they avoid damage while creating openings. By combining punches with slips, you’ll start to feel the rhythm of attack and defense working together.
Train consistently, stay sharp, and soon slipping will feel as natural as throwing a jab.
