In kickboxing, a slip is a defensive move where you move your head just enough to let an opponent’s punch pass safely by your ear. Think of it as “slipping” right past the danger instead of blocking it with your gloves.
How You Do It
To perform a slip, you quickly shift your weight and rotate your hips so your head moves off the “center line” (the straight path of the incoming punch).
- Slip Outside: You move your head toward your lead side (usually left) to avoid a jab.
- Slip Inside: You move your head toward your rear side (usually right) to avoid a cross.
Why It’s Useful
Slips are more advanced than blocks because they offer several strategic advantages:
- Hands-Free Defense: Since you don’t use your hands to block, your gloves stay ready to punch back immediately.
- Better Countering: When you slip, you often load up your weight on one leg, putting you in the perfect position to throw a powerful counter-attack.
- Vision: Unlike a block, which can temporarily hide your opponent behind your own arms, a slip keeps your eyes clear so you can see every move they make.
- Tiring the Opponent: It is mentally and physically draining for an opponent to swing full-force and hit nothing but air.
The Golden Rule
Keep your movements small. You only need to move your head about two or three inches. If you move too far, you’ll lose your balance and won’t be able to punch back quickly.