We all have our favourite combination. Something which may be your ‘banker.’ The only issue is that sometimes these combinations may be a square peg in a round hole.
Here’s why.
Yes, combination punching can overwhelm and confuse the opponent to allow you to score. And it can look dominant and impressive to the judges. But ultimately, we need to ask, ‘are punches landing?’ Are we guessing or creating more certainty when throwing combinations? First, let’s look at the science around creating ‘affordances.’
So what is an affordance? Simply put, it’s an ‘invitation to act on an opportunity.’
Scanning for these affordances plays a vital role in combination punching. Boxers must be able to accurately assess and interpret the movements of their opponents. By perceiving defensive patterns, a boxer can identify affordances that can be exploited. This perceptual awareness allows the boxer to anticipate and plan a series of punches, ensuring that each punch sets up the next one effectively.
Perception/action coupling is the ability to act (move) to be able to perceive (see) these affordances. But equally, to perceive these affordances so the boxer can act. It is a cycle.
This requires a high level of skill. By coupling actions effectively with the areas they are picking up information from, boxers can maintain a flow of punches, putting constant pressure on the opponent and making it difficult for them to mount a defence or to counter.
Much of this may be quite subconscious. Noticing the shift of weight or picking up on information from certain tendencies earlier on in the bout.
For example, they notice the boxer drops their lead hand before they jab, or they lift their knee high when about to attack. Successful boxers can consciously or subconsciously pick up on these cues to help them make better decisions.
So, through tuning into these cues, we can plan and stay one step ahead of our opponent. For example, as the opponent ducks when they spot you are about to jab this offers more an affordance for you to set up an uppercut as you take advantage of them predicting your jab.
Let’s move this example on using these perceptual skills to land the final punch of a 3 punch combination…
Red Boxer jabs moving their feet into mid-range and notices that the Blue Boxer has ducked as their initial defence.
Red Boxer then chooses to throw a rear hand uppercut.
Blue Boxer then twists to block using their elbow and forearm to stop the uppercut landing. But now Blue has exposed their ribs, allowing Red to hook to the body.
The jab and the uppercut were tactics to allow a greater potential for an affordance to emerge. In this case, Blue has left their ribs open.
But interestingly, this system also occurs in the opponent. The boxer can create false or misleading information so the opponent’s movement (attack or defence) becomes more based on the actions of their opponent. This way we begin to build control over our opponent.
Deception also plays a part in creating or decaying affordances. For example, a boxer may use feints, forcing their opponent to react or move in a certain way, which opens up a clear path for the final punch. These deceptive movements create uncertainty in the opponent, making it easier for the boxer to land their final punch.
Boxing is a dynamic sport, and opponents constantly adjust their attacks and defences. By being aware of the opponent’s patterns, boxers can modify their combinations on the fly, ensuring that each punch remains effective. The first, second or even third punch may act as a means to an end to land the subsequent punch. This type of adaptability is vital in maintaining the upper hand throughout the bout.
Affordances ‘emerge’ and ‘decay’ away quickly in boxing like a door quickly opening and closing. So, by finding a balance between spotting affordances through not overly committing to rigidly pre-planned combinations, boxers can maximise their chances of landing powerful and accurate punches, while minimising the opponent’s ability to counter or evade effectively.