Head Movement

Improve Head Movement in Boxing

If you’re looking to improve your head movement in boxing, you’re in the right place. Many aspiring fighters focus on footwork and punching power but often overlook the importance of a solid defense—especially the art of slipping punches. As a fighter and coach, I get asked frequently about ways to improve head movement. Let me tell you right now: it’s all about putting in the work. On this page, I break down the drills you need to master head movement, and how you can incorporate them into your regular training routine. These drills are designed to build muscle memory and reflexes, key components for staying elusive in the ring. Let’s dive in.

A lot of you might be looking for secret techniques or shortcuts to improve your defense, but here’s the truth: there are no magic tricks. Tips and tricks won’t do much for you unless you’re committed to putting in the rounds. That means consistent practice, drills, and repetition. Training head movement is much like any other skill in boxing—you’ve got to work on it, and you’ve got to put in the effort. It’s not enough to know what to do; you have to engrain those movements into your muscle memory.

Head Movement Drills
In this video we cover some important drills to improve head movement in boxing.

Head Movement Flow Drills
In this video I show you how to connect your head movement to your footwork and punching.

Common Head Movement Mistakes
I show you common mistakes fighters make with their head movement in boxing, and how to fix them.

Head Movement Workout
We get right into the work with this training set focused on improving head movement.

300 Head Movements Workout
We challenge ourselves in this 300 rep head movement workout.  The goal is to make head movement more efficient.

Jason Van Veldhuysen has been coaching boxing for the past 20 years and has been an online boxing coach for the past 15 years.  He is the founder of the Precision Striking Youtube Channel (over 1 million subscribers), as well as the founder of the Precision Striking Membership, an exclusive program that helps fighters train to their highest levels while refining their boxing skills and technique. With years of experience as an amateur boxer and a passion for teaching, Jason specializes in footwork, combinations, and drills that elevate a boxer’s overall game. Known for his clear and practical training methods, Jason has helped boxers at all levels—from beginners to competitive fighters—reach their full potential.