Slipping inside is a very old technique in boxing that has been around since the beginning of the sport. Today, most boxers prefer to slip outside rather than inside, and Expert Boxing believes that it may be due to the amateur boxing system that this technique has disappeared.
Slipping outside, rather than a slipping punch, is like a hit and run. It keeps you safe from getting hit, and it is easy to see. However, slipping inside is harder to see to the untrained eye. Slip punches are also harder to score in the amateur boxing system because, as we said, they are harder to see.
However, using slipping punches is a more efficient boxing style only because it requires less energy. You do not have to run around, which is very useful if you need to fight for many rounds, but many fighters prefer slipping outside because it looks cleaner and clearer. Both of these techniques can be used for landing punches or stalling fights.
What are the advantages of slipping inside punches?
There are many advantages to slipping inside in boxing. The first one is that it is an easier technique to learn and use. Secondly, it requires less athleticism and energy to implement it. When you slip outside a punch, you have to move around a lot. When you slip inside instead, you can get to a safe place inside your opponent’s arm space where he cannot throw any more punches at you.
A third advantage is that you can be more aggressive and throw shots when you are at a close distance. You can also get close to stall the fight, and you can do all of this by slipping inside punches. It is also a safer way to box because slipping inside punches works like a mirror. When your opponent throws his left, you throw your right. It is more harmonious and safer like this.
Another advantage of using inside slipping punches is that it will cost you less if you get hit. On the other hand, if you decide to slip outside a punch, there is a higher probability that you will get knocked out because this way, you add more momentum to your opponent’s punch.
If you want to have more attack angles to use, as well as defense and footwork angles, slipping inside is what you need to implement.
What strategies can you use for slipping inside?
- Closing distance
The easiest and most common strategy for slipping inside punches is to get closer. You can do this by simply slipping inside the jab. Being closer will also enable force exchanges. You can smother the opponent’s punches, clinch, and many other things.
2. Get through
Inside slipping will help you move your body past your opponent on the inside. If you feel trapped during the fight, you can pass your body right through his to escape and leave him off balance. This strategy is also helpful if you are trapped on the ropes.
3. Set angles
If you slip inside your opponent’s punches, you will be able to have different counters and angles and many possibilities to choose from. You can choose from an offense, defense, and various footwork options.
Why isn’t slipping inside used so much anymore?
According to Expert Boxing, the technique is not lost, but it is not commonly taught as a standard boxing foundation in many places. Because of this, many amateur boxers do not get to see and recognize these techniques. As we said above, slipping inside punches is very hard to see to the untrained eye.
“The MEDIA ASPECT of the sport caters to flashy fighters and knockout punchers,” Expert boxing says. They believe that the boxing crowd will get bored if they don’t see anything flashy in the ring.
Who are the best boxers to watch for inside slipping inspiration? Roberto Duran, James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, Pernell Whitaker, Vasily Lomachenko, Erislandy Lara, and Guillermo Rigondeaux. And if you want more inspiration for your boxing training, take a look at this list we created to feature some of the best boxers of all time.
Are there any techniques for slipping inside?
- Slipping inside the jab: Use the same slip you use for slipping outside the right hand and instead slip inside the jab. You need to be as subtle as possible and make a smooth, quick move.
- Duck and roll the right hand: Turn your torso slightly away from the right hand and bend the knees slightly. This will block the right hand by your shoulder or back. Then, you can land your own punch or avoid the incoming hook.
- Slip inside instead of away from the punch: This works great for power punches. Cut step to the opposite side of your opponent’s punch. If you do it at the right time, it’s like sliding to the other side of your opponent’s punch, and he falls through.
- Time your inside slips: You do not need to be super-fast to slip inside punches. All you need to do is know the perfect timing. To master this, you need to spar a lot and pay attention to the opponent’s rhythm.
- Counter-position: If you want to slip to the left, put your head on the right and do the opposite if you want to go to the right.
- Double-slip: If you try slipping twice in any direction, whether it is left or right, it is a great technique to use when you can’t find an opportunity to slip.
Did you know about this technique before or is it the first time you have heard about it? Let us know in the comments!
