I noticed it's often mentioned this is a common error with beginners along the likes of dropping the hands while moving backwards, now as a beginner myself, what is the correct technique instead to apply? Or what measures can be taken to avoid this bad habbit?
A good fundamental rule is not to back up from a punch. My coaches would always say "forward or sideways, never backwards." Athletically gifted fighters can improvise and break the rule in spots they're experienced enough to recognize as opportunities. When you slip punches, slip side to side. Conventionally, you slip rightwards to avoid an orthodox jab, and either leftwards outside of a straight right, or dip behind the shoulder. If your opponent throws a jab and you lean back, where else is there for you to go? A second jab or straight right will follow the same trajectory and clock you, or they'll take advantage of your planted posture and throw to your body. When you attack and want to step out afterwards, take a step back, but then turn and exit at an angle. Whether you weave out low or do so upright depends on whether you're a tall or short fighter. This is the disadvantage of backing up in a straight line-you give up the center, compromise your balance, therefore compromising your offense, and leave your head in a predictable path for punches to follow: This content is protected
If you're gonna retreat from a puncher, step back as you move your head side to side. Each time you slip, you should be in a counter-punching position. If you do drills, then do something like 10 steps back alternating slipping to the left and right. Add a counter at the end. Or, 1 step back, slip to the left and counter with a left hook. Then 2 steps back as you slip to the left and then to the right, then counter with a right. 3 steps back, slipping left, right, left, and counter with a right... until 10 steps. Incidentally, you can do the same drill going forward. It is amazing how many good fighters lack the simple skill of being able to advance more than one or two steps before being completely out of position to do anything.
Great points. The real issue is pulling back without moving the head off-center and being stuck in one lane.