Applying set-ups in boxing is key to the success of your offensive strategy. While landing a clean punch is important, the real art lies in how you prepare for those punches, especially when you’re facing a pressure fighter who is constantly moving forward. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through some key setups designed for outside fighters to maintain control and land effective shots, even when under pressure.
The Importance of Set-ups in Boxing
Before diving into specific setups, it’s important to understand why setups matter. As an outside fighter, you’re often dealing with opponents who are constantly trying to close the gap and pressure you into defensive positions. Without effective setups, your punches can become predictable or easily countered.
Not every punch you throw has to be a knockout blow; sometimes, it’s about disrupting your opponent’s rhythm, blinding their vision, or creating an opening for a bigger punch. That’s where strategic setups come into play.
1. Using the Jab as a Disruptor
One of the most underrated tools in an outside fighter’s arsenal is the jab. However, not every jab needs to land with force. Some jabs are thrown simply to keep your opponent guessing or to break their rhythm. This is particularly important when you’re dealing with a pressure fighter who is always moving forward.
Here are a few ways to use your jab to set up combinations:
- Blinding Jabs: A quick flicker of the jab in front of your opponent’s eyes can momentarily block their vision, allowing you to follow up with a stronger punch.
- Disrupting Jabs: Use a jab to throw off your opponent’s timing and prevent them from getting into a rhythm. This also helps in slowing down pressure fighters who rely on continuous movement.
- Probing Jabs: These light, non-committal jabs are used to feel out your opponent’s defenses and create openings for more powerful punches.
2. Setting Up Angles for Combinations
After using the jab to disrupt or blind your opponent, the next step is to set up an angle to land your combinations. Footwork is key here, as it allows you to avoid being directly in front of your opponent where they can counter easily.
Here’s how to effectively create angles:
- Step to the Side: Instead of always moving straight back, step laterally to the right or left after your jab. This moves you off the center line and gives you a new angle to throw your next combination. The key here is to avoid being predictable—mix up your movements to keep your opponent off balance.
- Move Back, Then Forward: Another effective setup involves stepping back to draw your opponent in, then quickly moving forward with a combination. This tactic works well when you’re fighting a pressure fighter who is eager to close the distance. By stepping back, you create an opening for them to walk into, allowing you to counter effectively.
- Combine Lateral Movement with Punches: After landing a jab or combination, you can add lateral movement to position yourself for a follow-up punch. For example, after a jab, move to your right and immediately follow with a hook or uppercut.
3. Closing the Gap as a Shorter Fighter
While these set-ups in boxing are particularly useful for outside fighters, they can also be adapted for shorter fighters who need to close the gap on their opponents. The difference lies in how you approach the movement.
For shorter fighters, instead of stepping back or to the side, you’ll be moving forward into your opponent’s range. Use the same principles of the jab—disrupt, blind, or break their rhythm—but follow it up with forward pressure, using angles to ensure you’re not walking directly into a counterpunch.
Here’s how shorter fighters can adapt these setups:
- Forward Movement with Feints: Use feints as you move forward to keep your opponent guessing. A feint jab can be followed by a hard cross once you’ve closed the distance.
- Inside Combinations: Once you’re in close, let your hands go with short, quick combinations. Move your head to avoid counters, and use angles to stay in a position of control.
4. Two Effective Set-ups in Boxing
Now, let’s break down two specific setups that can help you land your shots more effectively, regardless of whether you’re fighting on the outside or closing the gap.
Setup 1: The Double Jab Angle
One simple yet effective setup is to throw a double jab while moving laterally. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Throw a quick double jab. The first jab can be probing or blinding, while the second one is aimed to land or further disrupt your opponent.
- Step 2: After the second jab, step to the side (either right or left, depending on your positioning) to create a new angle.
- Step 3: Immediately follow with a combination—such as a cross-hook or cross-uppercut—while your opponent is still adjusting to your movement.
This setup allows you to get in and out of range while keeping your opponent on their heels.
Setup 2: The Pullback Counter
This setup is great when facing a pressure fighter who is overly aggressive. The idea is to bait them into throwing a punch, only to counter with your own.
- Step 1: Start by throwing a quick jab or combination to get your opponent to react.
- Step 2: As they throw a punch in response, take a small step back to avoid their shot.
- Step 3: As soon as their punch misses, step forward with a strong counterpunch. This could be a cross, hook, or even an uppercut, depending on the opening.
The key here is timing—pull back just enough to make them miss, then immediately close the gap and capitalize on their mistake.
Setting up your combinations is a critical skill for any fighter, but it’s especially important for outside fighters and those facing constant pressure. By using jabs to disrupt, blinding your opponent, and creating angles with effective footwork, you can stay one step ahead in the ring.
Whether you’re an outside fighter keeping distance or a shorter fighter closing the gap, these setups will help you land cleaner, more effective shots while minimizing the risk of counters. Remember, it’s not just about throwing punches—it’s about creating opportunities to land them with maximum efficiency.
For complete training on Defense, Footwork and Boxing Tactics check out Level 4 of the Precision Membership.
About the Author: Jason Van Veldhuysen
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.