Head work

[the beast]

I need help with my head work. Does anybody know of any drills other than sparring that will help with this.

[bushido_man96]

What do you mean by head work??

[Kuma]

Shadowboxing helps a lot. You'll just have to use lots of good visualization to really focus on avoiding those punches. Move around, throw combinations, keep your head moving, and stretch.

You can also make a homemade maize bag by getting a tennis ball, poking a hole in it, and hanging it in your garage or basement at about head height. Get it swinging, then throw combinations and move your head when it comes forward and backward.

[RichardZ]

We had did the tennis ball thing, also we used a ball-bearing base so it can start spinning thus breaking of a set swinging pattern.

Edited November 17, 2009 by RichardZ

[tallgeese]

The double ended striking bag is a good choice and will get you slipping and bobbing the head quite well. I'll also second shadow boxing, with the emphasis being on defensive movements. Also don't forget to keep the head movments going during your heavy bag work.

Last but not least you already called- keep up the sparring. Do some work that makes you do nothing but defend ans slip for a few light rounds a day. It'll go along way. Remember to keep your sparring structured to work on things, not "just spar".

[the beast]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll definitely give them a try.

[RichardZ]

The double ended striking bag is a good choice and will get you slipping and bobbing the head quite well. I'll also second shadow boxing, with the emphasis being on defensive movements. Also don't forget to keep the head movments going during your heavy bag work.

Last but not least you already called- keep up the sparring. Do some work that makes you do nothing but defend ans slip for a few light rounds a day. It'll go along way. Remember to keep your sparring structured to work on things, not "just spar".

Good call on the double end striking bag. This would help. Add a strobe light and you have........

[ShoriKid]

I you have a partner to work with at times, mitt work. As you lead into combinations, or finish them, the mitt holder puts out a straight punch or a hook that you have to slip/bob and weave to avoid.

Other than that, go with what everyone else is saying. Shadow boxing is excellent if you don't have any gear or a partner. A double ended bag is about the best equipment you can get for timing, evasion, hand-eye coordination.

[RichardZ]

Bobbing and weaving with a clothes line..

Dont forget to put grease or something slimy or nasty on the line....

[wildman1717]

All sound like good advice, I feel head movement is underrated to say the least.