Compound attacks

From a tactical standpoint, I can’t think of anything that will take your boxing to the next level other than implementing and launching compound attacks. The classic scenario is that you go towards your opponent with a series of punches and head nods, and he knows that after you’ve launched your attack, he can either make his move or take a break for about 5-10 seconds while you restart. However, when you prepare an immediate second attack (in 1-2 seconds) there is an element of surprise and sustained pressure that separates you from 90% of the fighters.

The best composite attacker at the moment is Pacquiao. That doesn’t mean he’s the best fighter, I still think he’s Mayweather, only time will tell. Watch what Pacquiao does, though, and watch his fights, he throws a punching fury after faking and setting angles, reboots or steps back or creates an angle, and then comes in for a second helping of beating his opponent.

I learned it initially from watching tons of Tyson fights, he was a master at preparing second and third attacks, and he had to do it because every time he threw, his opponent was running away. A good example of this is seeing him against Tyrell Biggs or Mitch Green, it took Tyson a couple of rounds to get close and start landing. I learned a lot watching Tyson and you probably can too, you can also learn a lot watching Tyson lose to Douglas and Holyfield in their first fight. It is always good to see different strategies from both sides.

Well, going back to compound attacks, the key is to prepare your opponent for an attack in the future. The biggest hurdle you will face is conditioning to back it up, when you are out of shape you will be lucky enough to consistently hit strong single attacks, so you will have to train harder for compound attacks. Watch my slider video for some ideas on how to incorporate that into your workout, Slipping Punches – The Remix

You pretend, shake your head and then go in with your attack, at the highest level of boxing, most of the initial attacks will be neutralized or countered by your opponent. If your boxing is tight, you will be able to neutralize your opponent’s counters or stay close enough while he retreats. And here lies the second attack and the compound attack; Once your opponent has retreated or counterattacked and you have successfully neutralized the counterattack, then you launch your second attack, it is all about footwork to create angles and stay close along with constant head movement to avoid attacks. You have to work out the details, but you get the idea. The general pattern is as follows:

You: pretending, moving from side to side, in and out, shaking your head

Opponent: doing the same as you

You: move by your combination

Opponent: retreat or launch counterattack, or cast while retreating

You: stay within hit range while moving forward and move your head as soon as you finish hitting, or move your head between hits while moving

Opponent: move to safety or launch a new attack against you

You: pouncing on the opponent as he moves to safety (since you’re close enough), or countering his attack since you’re ready for him and about to launch again.