Varying the rhythm, speed and power of your punches

[mconstantine]

I am a big fan of this. Guys who are very what I call "straight up" type boxers who are very predictable are easier to box. When guys can vary the speed, rhythm and power of their punches, it keeps the opponent off balance.

For some of you more experienced guys, what is your approach to getting better at this? What are some of your strategies for utilizing this? How do you train for it?

I've actually had a boxing trainer instruct me on the mitts to even out the rhythm of my punches on the mitts. I ignored that advice lol...can't fathom a reason why you should throw all of your punches with the same rhythm and level of intensity. Can you?

[{Pito}]

I would train for this especially in an inside fight because it was harder for them to see what was coming. For example, when I had the person on the ropes I would touch the face and **** the body and as soon as I saw the counter hooks from the person I would duck and touch the body and when they would try to block the body, **** the head and vary up my attacks in that way. I learned this a lot from watching James Toney on the ropes. He does this extremely well.

[mconstantine]

I would train for this especially in an inside fight because it was harder for them to see what was coming. For example, when I had the person on the ropes I would touch the face and **** the body and as soon as I saw the counter hooks from the person I would duck and touch the body and when they would try to block the body, **** the head and vary up my attacks in that way. I learned this a lot from watching James Toney on the ropes. He does this extremely well.

Good example...and I must say, I don't think I've seen it done quite as well in a long time as the way Broner did it on the inside with DeMarco. You could see him almost intentionally slow down some punches to mix up the rhythm. It was amazing to watch. Seems like it's most advantageous on the inside when guys have less time to react to punches. It also seems effective to use with jabs that are aimed to begin combinations. Canelo does a great job of using slower, throw away jabs to set up nasty combinations behind them. I think there is a subconscious component too this too that when a guy throws a lazy, or slow punch, it almost makes a lot of guys involuntarily relax, then BAM, something more powerful or fast comes behind it unexpectedly at a different pace/rhythm.

Advanced level boxing, but it's the type of stuff I LOVE to see.

[{Pito}]

Good example...and I must say, I don't think I've seen it done quite as well in a long time as the way Broner did it on the inside with DeMarco. You could see him almost intentionally slow down some punches to mix up the rhythm. It was amazing to watch. Seems like it's most advantageous on the inside when guys have less time to react to punches. It also seems effective to use with jabs that are aimed to begin combinations. Canelo does a great job of using slower, throw away jabs to set up nasty combinations behind them. I think there is a subconscious component too this too that when a guy throws a lazy, or slow punch, it almost makes a lot of guys involuntarily relax, then BAM, something more powerful or fast comes behind it unexpectedly at a different pace/rhythm.

Advanced level boxing, but it's the type of stuff I LOVE to see.

Pretty much. This is exactly what I set out to do. Guillermo Rigondeaux does this incredibly well too. Hence why people say his jab is weak but he does this intentionally to draw you in. Same concept.

[Pony Boy]

This is something that works well at any range which sets up the power punches to the head or body as well as your angles. This is a great way to create openings and should be practiced on the mitts and bags. Cuban boxers are famous for this. In my opinion this is a fundamental lessen you should learn as an amateur and master if you plan on advancing to higher levels. Great thread

[Rockin']

there are a million and one ways to change the rythme. do the same thing over and over and the guy will time you. I'll write more later........... rockin'

[mconstantine]

I agree this should be fundamental, but looking at most fighters, I don't think it is.

Another slick way I've seen this is almost adding a pause at the start of the punching motion to throw off the opponent's attempt to defend. Best example I can think of recently was Donaire's KO of Arce below. Look at 57 seconds in...Donaire clearly postures to throw the left hook, almost deliberately telegraphing it, then adding a slight pause before throwing it to throw off Arce's timing to defend it. Arce tries to block it expecting it to be delivered sooner, but by the time it is, he's overreacted to it and his hands are down...boom, lands clean. Starting the hook at the lower level then coming up to the head just sealed the deal. Brilliant shiet.

[TheBodySnatcher]

Don't forget feinting. Breaking your opponents rhythm is equally as important as switching up your own.

[BarryRobinson]

I am a big fan of this. Guys who are very what I call "straight up" type boxers who are very predictable are easier to box. When guys can vary the speed, rhythm and power of their punches, it keeps the opponent off balance.

For some of you more experienced guys, what is your approach to getting better at this? What are some of your strategies for utilizing this? How do you train for it?

I've actually had a boxing trainer instruct me on the mitts to even out the rhythm of my punches on the mitts. I ignored that advice lol...can't fathom a reason why you should throw all of your punches with the same rhythm and level of intensity. Can you?

Get on the bag for 12 rounds. Punch non stop for 3 minutes. Non Stop. In your rounds imagine a fight. Maybe you look to score early, in the middle, and late in the round. Maybe you explode for the last half of the round your call. Ok so even though your punching non stop(active rest when your not scoring), inbetween that your aim is to throw hard punches inbetween the active rest punches, also essential is that you mix up your paces and rthyms, also no left right left right. Mix up your offense. This drill is a great oppurtunity to throw every punch while flowing and mixing power,speed, and tempos.

Judge your rounds. You will know when you have bull****ted. If you want an example. Find my email online or message me on fb and i will make a video sample for you

[BarryRobinson]

I am a big fan of this. Guys who are very what I call "straight up" type boxers who are very predictable are easier to box. When guys can vary the speed, rhythm and power of their punches, it keeps the opponent off balance.

For some of you more experienced guys, what is your approach to getting better at this? What are some of your strategies for utilizing this? How do you train for it?

I've actually had a boxing trainer instruct me on the mitts to even out the rhythm of my punches on the mitts. I ignored that advice lol...can't fathom a reason why you should throw all of your punches with the same rhythm and level of intensity. Can you?

Also watch this I touch on how to train this technique towards the end of the video