Four Corners Defense-To-Attack Boxing Drill

This is what happens when you don't cover up

The four corners defense-to-attack boxing drill is a great way to train your reaction speed to covering up. It also gets you into the habit of covering a shot and firing an attack of your own straight back to your opponent..

This is a simple yet realistic training drill. It involves blocking (covering up) any of four shots; left-hook to the head, right-hook to the head, left-body shot, right-body shot and attacking on your pad-mans recovery. For example: your opponent throws a right-hook to your head, you block/cover with your left and fire a left-cross followed by a combination set by your pad-man.- strikes will vary depending on which lead you stand in - southpaw or orthodox.

This is a very good drill to get you used to blocking/covering on auto-pilot After you have drilled this a few times you'll instantly be able to block the 4 corners and fire an attack back, putting your opponent on the defense.

What you will need:

• Focus pads.
• Pad-man - the guy with the focus pads.
• Glove-man - the guy blocking and hitting the pads.

Four corners defense-to-attack drill 1

• Pad-man throws a right-hook
• Glove-man blocks by covering up
• Pad-man offers the pads to give Glove-man any combination.

Four corners defense-to-attack drill 2

• Pad-man throws any of the four strikes; right-hook, left-hook, right-body shot, left-body shot.
• Glove-man has to react and block/cover with respective block/cover.
• Pad-man offers the pads to give Glove-man any combination - Glove-man can even work into a clinch or shoot for a take down.

How to cover up from hooks

Bring your forearm to your ear whilst keep your elbow pointing at the pad-man. Keep your head tight against your arm.

How to cover up from body shots

Your arm makes a similar shape as covering up the head. However the elbow this time is pointing towards the floor. Keep the elbow covering up your sides and bend at the knees. It is important to bend at the knees and not drop the arm as this exposes the upper part of your body.

Note: This drill is best performed when made as real as possible. You can almost 'spar' it, ensuring you work your fighting range, distance and footwork.