Rear Block

How to throw it

Press the rear arm tight against the side of your head, glove high and elbow tucked, so the arm forms a solid wall for the impact to land on. Keep your neck braced and turn slightly into the cover so a hook or high kick meets arm and not skull. Hold the frame firm and reset your hand to the chin as soon as the strike lands.

When to use it

Use it to shield the rear side against a hook or a high kick when there is no room to evade. It keeps you protected in the pocket or against the ropes and leaves you set to counter as the strike clears.

Common mistakes

• Holding the arm loose so a hook or kick drives it into your own head
• Dropping the elbow away from the ribs and exposing the body while covering high
• Tilting the head into the strike rather than keeping it stacked behind the braced arm