Here's the truth about boxing; YOU'RE GOING TO GET HIT. You can decrease your chances of getting hit by learning some defensive maneuvers. Parries, shielding, shoulder-rolls, slipping, and weaving. These techniques need to be implemented into your fighting style if you expect to have any success as a fighter. Let's start with the most basic defensive move; the shield.

    Shielding, commonly known as blocking, is simply using your arm to absorb the blows delivered by your opponent. Shielding is best used against hooks, overhands, and wild punches.

   To shield your head, slide your arm from the on guard position to the side of your head, making sure there there is NO space between your arm and your head. In other words, your arm should be resting on your head and the arm must be bent.