What defensive boxing technique shifts weight from the front foot to the back foot to evade a hook and counter?

The pullback: lean or shift your weight back to make the hook miss, then return with a counterpunch.

What is the most important punch for setting up boxing combinations?

The jab is the key punch for controlling distance, creating openings, and setting up combinations.

How do boxers defend against straight punches and parry attacks?

Use a slip to move your head off the center line against straight punches, and parry by redirecting an incoming punch with your hand.

Free online course How to Box 101

Duration of the online course: 52 minutes

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Build real boxing skills fast with this free online course: stance, jab, head movement, and defense basics so you can train smarter and safer today.

In this free course, learn about

Boxing fundamentals: stance, guard, footwork, and basic mechanics for beginners
Why the jab is the most important punch and how it controls distance and timing
How to use the jab to set up combinations and create openings for power shots
Core concept: setting up punches (especially via the jab) to build effective combos
Defense vs hooks: weight transfer front-to-back to evade and load counters
Slipping: moving the head off the center line to avoid straight punches
Parrying basics: redirecting punches as a primary, common defensive tool
Linking defense to offense: counterattacking immediately after successful evasion

About the free online course

Boxing is more than throwing hard punches. It is timing, balance, control, and smart defense working together. This free online course is designed for complete beginners who want a clear, practical starting point and a safe way to build fundamentals. You will learn how to move with purpose, how to protect yourself, and how to develop the kind of basics that make every workout feel more effective.

You will start by building a solid foundation with stance and foot positioning, because everything in boxing depends on balance. Once you feel stable, you can generate power without overreaching and you can defend without freezing. From there, the course focuses on understanding the jab as a tool that drives progress: it helps you manage distance, disrupt rhythm, and set up combinations. When your jab improves, your other punches begin to land more cleanly because your opponent is reacting to what you show first.

Defense is treated as a core skill rather than an afterthought. You will explore key beginner-friendly defensive concepts such as moving your head off the center line to avoid straight punches and using compact movements that keep you ready to respond. You will also learn how shifting weight at the right moment can help you avoid a hook while preparing a counterattack, turning defense into offense. Along the way, you will develop a better feel for common defensive habits like parrying and when they are most effective, so you can stay protected without losing position.

By the end, you should feel more confident shadowboxing, working a heavy bag, or training drills at home. You will understand why certain fundamentals matter, how to stay composed under pressure, and how to build your skills step by step. Whether your goal is fitness, a new hobby, or taking the first step toward a boxing gym, this course helps you start with correct technique and a mindset focused on control, consistency, and smart progression.

Course content

Video class: How to Box 101 | Complete Boxing Tutorial for Beginners 52m
Exercise: Which defensive boxing technique involves transferring weight from the front foot to the back foot, setting up for a counterattack after avoiding a hook?
Exercise: What is the most important punch in boxing according to the guide?
Exercise: Which defensive move in boxing involves shifting one's head off the center line to avoid straight punches?
Exercise: What is the most crucial element in setting up other punches and combinations in boxing?
Exercise: Which of these punches is commonly used to set up other punches and combinations in boxing?
Exercise: What is the most common and crucial defense in boxing that involves parrying?

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Explore free online boxing courses designed for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring fighters. Learn essential boxing techniques, footwork, defense, conditioning, training drills, and ring strategy at your own pace. Enroll today to build skills, improve fitness, and earn a certificate with every completed course—at no cost.