Kickboxing
Kickboxing Outside Parry
The kickboxing outside parry uses a small outward hand movement to redirect a straight punch. Solo practice develops defensive coordination and balance while you maintain your guard.
- Beginner
- Compound
- Low injury risk
- Rest 30 sec
How to do it
- Stand with your lead foot forward, feet about shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent.
- Raise your hands to cheek height with your elbows close to your ribs.
- Picture an opponent's rear straight punch traveling toward your face.
- Move your lead palm a few inches outward to guide the imagined punch just outside your lead shoulder.
- Return your lead hand to your cheek to finish the repetition.
Form cues
- Keep your chin tucked.
- Eyes forward throughout.
- Stay loose through your shoulders.
- Keep your weight between your feet.
Common mistakes
- Swatting too far outwardUse only enough movement to clear the punch from your face, rather than sweeping your arm sideways.
- Dropping the rear handKeep your rear hand at your cheek throughout the parry.
- Reaching toward the punchPractice the redirection close to your guard instead of extending your arm to meet the imagined fist.
Safety
Fast, forceful swats can strain your shoulder or wrist. Using this solo drill against live punches adds a risk of facial injury if the parry misses.
- Practice in a clear space beyond arm's reach of other people.
- Keep this version non-contact; use a separate controlled-feed drill for partner practice.
- Start slowly before building speed.
- End the set when fatigue makes your movements uncontrolled.
If you have wrist or shoulder pain, get advice from a physiotherapist before practicing fast parries.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
No equipment needed.
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 8–12 reps
- Rest
- 30 sec