Most feints do not work, and the reason is simple. The opponent does not believe them. A twitch of the shoulder or a half-hearted jab does not make anyone react if there is no threat behind it. This video lesson gives you an example and a principle you can use to make sure your feint gets the right reaction and the right result.

It is for boxers, kickboxers and anyone training self-defence who wants to create openings instead of waiting for them.

A Feint Must Look Like A Real Shot

To make a feint work, your opponent has to think they are going to get hit. That is the whole point. If it does not look and feel like a real shot, they will ignore it and you have wasted your time, or worse, given them a free moment to hit you.

So a good feint has the same start as your real punch. Same position, same body movement, same intent. The difference is that you stop it, change it or follow it with something else. If your feint starts differently from your real shots, any decent opponent will learn to read it.

Reaction First, Result Second

A feint is a question. You are asking your opponent: "What do you do when I threaten you here?" Their answer tells you what comes next.

  • If they raise the guard, the body may be open
  • If they lean back, they may be set up for a step in
  • If they throw a counter, you may be able to time it
  • If they cover up and freeze, you have time to set your feet

You do not need to guess. You read the reaction, then you hit what is open. That is how a feint turns into a result.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake is feinting from too far away. If you are out of range, there is no threat, so there is no reaction. The second mistake is feinting all the time with nothing behind it. Feints only work if your real shots land often enough to make them believable.

How To Practise It

Work with a partner who reacts honestly. Throw a feint and let them respond naturally, then pick the target that opens. Swap roles and notice which feints made you react, and why. Keep the contact light while you learn the timing.

Take It Further

Feints, timing and distance are all part of the Learn To Box Online Course. For a wider look at boxing technique, The Boxing Series covers a lot of this ground in detail.