Head movement
The head is an essential part during a fight, because it is where the boxers' eyes are focused, as well as the direction the body will take. Some experts consider that the most astute boxers are able to master "the art of moving the head" and this partly guarantees their success during the fight, as described by an experienced boxer who narrated his experience:
"He looked like a slow, heavy middleweight moving around the ring loosely and throwing punches at normal intervals. He didn't look particularly skilled or dangerous with the exception that he looked very relaxed in the ring. Looking back, I should know that anyone so comfortable in a ring should be feared... This was a guy who keeps his head inside his punches and evades each one with subtle movements. He evaded entire combinations, without moving, WITHOUT taking his eyes off me!".
The magic of head movement
Head movement in boxing can come to be associated with "magic", because although Kickboxing, K1 and Muay thai (among other fighting sports) offer very creative spectacles and interesting attacks, none offer anything as unique as the art of head movement.
The idea of moving the head is basically moving the target. Instead of defending the target (your head) all the time, you simply move it. This way your hands are free to attack.
The art of head movement is so unintelligent to the untrained eye, that many people think boxing is a brutal and meaningless sport because it gives the impression that the fighters do not appear to be defending themselves. The head movement becomes so subtle that it doesn't even appear to have been performed as if it were "magic", which is basically learned in the ring.
A great head movement is generally very subtle, clear, unexpected and almost magical... It is an art.
Benefits of mastering the art of head movement
Like any boxing technique, mastering the head movement brings great benefits to the athletes of this sport, mainly because it allows them to free their hands so they can counterattack immediately, they will also be able to respond faster and always be one step behind if they have to defend themselves before counterattacking.
Another benefit of mastering the art of moving the head is that the opponent is more vulnerable because they are left wide open or may fall off balance when they miss a blow, also because they get more tired.
By mastering the head movement the boxer feels skillful and difficult to be hit. And he also knows exactly everything the opponent is going to do. Or maybe he is doing everything he wants him to do. Not only does he manage to control his head movements, he seems to be controlling the opponent's as well.
A great head movement confuses even the spectators, allowing counterattacks and preparing the boxer to be in position to do it all over again.
Head movement, a requirement at the highest levels of boxing
Head movement is considered a standard boxing skill that is needed to be competitive. The boxer's head can only take so many punches, however, this as much as possible should be avoided, for this it is best to learn different styles of head movement and how to train this skill.
At the highest levels of boxing the head movement ya is not only considered a benefit, but a requirement and the faster, more mobile and more skilled the competitor the more necessary it is for them to master the head movement and this will also make them wait all day for an opportunity to strike that they will never find.
At a higher level, head movement is not only related to the way an opponent strikes, but also to the way he feels. A skilled fighter can make you feel that the head is far away but nevertheless within reach. Or vice versa, he can make you feel that he is very close but is never there when your opponent wants to hit you. He can find gaps in his stance where he can place his head close without being afraid of counterattacks. Thus his opponent will be more fearful while he keeps finding better positions to attack and becomes less likely to defend himself.
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