We often tend to overthink the simplicity and the effectiveness of the fundamentals.

And I fall into this trap all the time.

When I throw my jab, when I throw my cross, when I throw my essential combination 1-2 (jab-cross) or anything from Fundamentals Vol.1 or Vol.2, I often overanalyze what I'm throwing.

And I begin to notice and catch my own tells, my own telegraphing movements.

Video Breakdown

What Are Tells?

Tells are something you do every time to telegraph that you're about to throw something.

It might be:

• Dropping your lead hand before throwing a jab
• Dropping your rear hand before throwing a cross or overhand
• Leaning back before you throw
• Loading up
• Winding up on power shots
• Tightening your body and becoming still before you throw
• And many others

Essentially, it's anything to let your opponent know that you are about to throw something or do something.

Most People Won't Notice Your Tells

Everybody telegraphs and everybody has tells.

However, unless you are fighting at high level, nobody's going to pick up on them. Let alone catch you and counter you when you're throwing a combination.

They probably won't even know which punch hit them. Let alone what small subtle movement you did before you threw something.

Refine, Master But Don't Overthink

Yes, you always want to refine and you always want to master your fundamentals.

Master your individual punches. Master your combinations. Master your footwork.

This is a lifelong journey.

But know this: 99% of the people will never be able to pick up on your tells and what you're going to throw. Let alone set you up or counter you on your execution.

What to Focus On

Remember to win most fights when it matters, focus on:

• Speed
• Aggression
• Power
• Precision
• Movement

Hit them first, hit them hard and don't let them answer you back.

And for those who are at higher level, focus on:

• Feints
• Breaking rhythm
• Never throwing the same thing more than two times in a row
• Setting things up
• Vary the target and the attack
• Counters
• Moving and striking at the same time

Always refine. Always master.

And start with your Fundamentals Vol.1 and Vol.2.