Solo High Guard and Block Drill

Purpose. Groove the high guard position and the small blocking movements made from it so they are available under pressure.

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How it fits the system. The solo blocking drill of the Combat Sports section, complementing head-movement work. Related work in the library: Boxing Parry and Solo Head Movement Drill.

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Primary muscles

Deltoids, Obliques, Gastrocnemius

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Secondary muscles

Gluteals, Quadriceps, Latissimus Dorsi, Forearm Flexors

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Movement pattern

Defensive Frame

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Equipment

None

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Difficulty

Beginner

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1. Set the high guard with the gloves at the temples, the elbows in and the chin tucked.
2. Rehearse each block in turn: The hook block with the glove and forearm, the parry, and the body block with the elbow.
3. Rotate slightly with each block rather than absorbing it statically.
4. Add a counter punch out of each block and return immediately to the shell.

• “Elbows in, gloves at the temples.”
• “Rotate into the block; do not just absorb it.”
• “Every block ends in a counter.”

• Holding the shell passively for long periods, which invites body shots and gives up the initiative.
• Blocking with the gloves wide, which leaves the centre open.