Lately I've tried moving my head back as a defensive technique. The first couple times I tired it in sparring it worked perfect. I really liked using it because it was easier to see what my opponent was going to do next. But recently I tried using the techinique again and it failed. It actually made the punch twice as hard when it didn't work because my neck had less support when I moved it back. What are your thoughts on using this technique?
its a good thing to practice but dont go mad thinking your pernell whitaker because youve got to no how to put it in to practice PROPERLY first
a pull-away to counter is good, but it shouldn't be your first defensive instinct. If you rely on it and you start pulling back in straight lines you'll get put off balance or jabbed backwards.
Pulling your head back in a straight line will often get you punched in the face anyway, but people that use it well can be very effective with it (these guys are usually pretty tall for their weight). Bear in mind also, guys who lean their head back leave their body wide open for a hard hitter. Alot of the bodyshot knockdows I've seen have been because of poor posture, which can be caused by leaning backwards.
some one whos good at slipping and bobbing might take up a slight crouch in their stance. some one with a slight crouch can move their head back and be in an upright stance instead of off balance. though when you move your head back for a hook theres allways a good chance your moving it right into an opened up hook. they're all techniques that are worth understanding.
Moving your head back alone is a horrible thing to get used to. Especially if you are fighting an intelligent puncher or fast counter puncher. Feint, you pull back, and he nails you while back or staggers and nails you coming back to reset. You should ALWAYS move/pull back as the BEGINNING to a sequence of actions. Back and counter jab. Back and over (at waist?). Back, over, and close to clinch. Back and counter straight. Back and counter lead hook. Depends on the situation. Unless you are insanely physically talented? A pull back is just step 1. Whatever you do though? Never become predictable!
The second time I sparred I did the Floyd pull back counter thing he does. It got approved murmurs from ringside, and is definitely one of my favourite moments of the year! But I was about 2 inches taller than the guy I used to spar, so thats probably why it used to work for me
This is actually a habit I've had to work hard to break recently. It might work on occasion (I found I could use it exactly once per sparring partner), but unless you're super fast and really know what you're doing, there are just too many ways for your opponent to take advantage of it. Ali did it a lot, and it didn't even work for him sometimes. (The Holmes fight is a bad example of this because he was off his game in so many other ways, but it's the first example that comes to mind where I remember seeing how easy it is for that move to go wrong.)
Bad habit in my opinion. If you are just moving your head back several inches to avoid punches, your upper body is also moving back and that changes the center of gravity and you are not near as solid on your feet. Also, unless you're 5'5" tall and have arms as long as Tommy Hearns, you are out of your punching range most of the time. Like others have mentioned, if the guy is slick enough, he will follow through with more punches and you'll find your ass on the canvas. Much better to try to block punches or use side to side head movement so you can use counter punching to get to your opponent.
Just make sure you don't get into a habit of it, because then guys will be expecting it and will just rush you with a combo when you're leaning back and you'll tip over. It's good to mix up once and while though. Don't start off trying to fight this way thoug until you can effectively see punches coming and slip/roll them. You're just asking for trouble otherwise.
