Feints are one of the most powerful yet underutilized tool in fighting.

They are designed to create openings for your strikes. By mimicking a strike or movement, you force your opponent to react, exposing spots for you to hit and land.

Not only do feints help you land precise strikes, but they also help to drain his energy physically and mentally, making him hesitant and timid over time.

In this post, I'll break down 6 essential feints, explain how to execute them and give you a practical guide to drilling them through shadow boxing and heavy bag.

Video Breakdown

Why Feints Matter

A feint is a fake motion, a movement that tricks your opponent into reacting in some way in order to reveal a target for you to hit.

In addition, feints will cause your opponent's nervous system to constantly tense up, which will begin to deplete his energy, his confidence and make him more hesitant to attack.

Mastering feints will give you control over the fight's rhythm and ability to land on any target you want to hit.

Let's dive into the 6 feints, how to do them and how to incorporate them into your drilling.

Feint 1: Half Jab

The half jab is a subtle, low-energy feint that sets the stage for follow-up strikes. From your fight stance, throw a partial jab, stopping halfway without snapping or fully extending. The goal is to make your opponent react, whether they flinch, raise their guard or shift their position, it'll provide you with an opening.

• Execution: Pump a quick half jab from your fight stance, keeping it deliberate and controlled. Watch for your opponent's reaction to determine your next move, such as a full jab, cross, or another strike.
• Purpose: Gauge their response and exploit the opening. For example, if they raise their hands, target the body; if they step back, follow with a cross.
• Key Tip: Stay deliberate. Don't overuse the half jab mindlessly, focus on observing your opponent's reaction to inform your next strike.

Feint 2: Step In

The step-in feint, also called a stomp or half step, involves stepping forward to bait a reaction without committing to a strike. This is particularly effective when you've previously landed a punch using the step-in, conditioning your opponent to expect a strike.

• Execution: From your fight stance, take a quick step forward or stomp lightly, as if preparing to throw a jab, cross, kick, or even attempt a takedown. Observe how your opponent reacts. Did he cover up, step back or prepare to counter?
• Purpose: Use the step-in to make them anticipate a strike, opening up their guard.
• Key Tip: This feint works best after you've landed strikes following a step-in, such as a step-in jab or cross. Once conditioned, use the step-in alone to provoke a reaction and capitalize on the opening.

Feint 3: Shoulder Roll

The shoulder roll or shoulder twitch, is a low-energy feint that mimics the motion of throwing a strike without actually throwing one. It's a subtle movement that can psych out your opponent and get you a reaction.

• Execution: From your fight stance, roll or twitch your shoulder forward as if you're about to throw a jab or hook. Keep your guard up and avoid leaning your face forward, which could make you a target.
• Purpose: Make your opponent tense up or adjust their guard, then strike based on their reaction.
• Key Tip: Focus on moving your shoulder, not your face. Stay protected in your fight stance to avoid presenting a target while baiting their reaction.

Feint 4: Dip Down

The dip-down feint mimics an attack to the body, getting your opponent to lower their guard and exposing their head for a follow-up strike. This feint is most effective after you've landed body shots to condition him.

• Execution: Slightly squat or dip down as if targeting the body, then watch for their reaction. If they drop their hands to protect their midsection, you have an opening to go to the head. If you're at a distance, combine the dip with a step-in to close the gap.
• Purpose: Trick your opponent into defending their body, leaving their head vulnerable. This works best after you've landed body shots, such as a step-in jab or cross to the midsection.
• Key Tip: Use the dip-down sparingly and after establishing body shots to ensure your opponent reacts predictably.

Feint 5: Low Kick

The low kick feint uses a quick, snappy roundhouse kick motion to the legs to make your opponent think you're targeting their legs or lower body. This draws their attention downward, opening opportunities other strikes.

• Execution: Flick a light, non-committal roundhouse kick toward your opponent's legs without full power. Stay protected to avoid counters and follow up with punches like a cross or hook based on their reaction.
• Purpose: Make your opponent focus on defending their legs, then exploit openings in their upper body. For example, if they lower their hands to block the kick, target their head.
• Key Tip: Be careful, repeated low kicks without follow-ups can be timed by your opponent, leading to a counter. Always stay protected and mix in punches after the feint to keep him guessing.

Feint 6: The Look

The look feint uses your eyes to deceive your opponent, making them think you're targeting one area while you strike another. Many fighters telegraph their strikes by looking at their intended target, but you can turn this into an advantage.

• Execution: Deliberately look at one target (e.g., the body or legs) to make your opponent expect a strike there, then hit a different target (e.g., the head). For example, glance at their legs as if preparing a kick or a takedown, then step in with a cross or hook to the head.
• Purpose: Condition your opponent to expect a strike where you're looking, then surprise them with a different attack. This works best after you've landed strikes on the target you're looking at to reinforce the feint.

How to Drill Feints

To master these feints, you need to drill them consistently in shadow boxing and on the heavy bag and of course in sparring.

Here's how to integrate them into your training:

• Start with Shadow Boxing: Focus on technique, speed, and flow. Visualize an opponent and practice each feint, followed by actual strikes. This helps you develop precision and body mechanics.
• Move to the Heavy Bag: Once comfortable, incorporate the feints on the heavy bag. Throw the feint, observe the “reaction” (visualize your opponent's response) and follow up with full strikes, such as a half jab followed by a cross or a dip-down followed by a hook.
• Break It Down: Don't overwhelm yourself by drilling all six feints at once. Focus on two feints per session for six rounds (2-3 minutes each). Alternate between the two feints each round, practicing in shadow boxing one day and on the heavy bag another.
• Progress Gradually: Once proficient with the first two feints, introduce the next two and repeat the process. After mastering all six, combine them in a single session, alternating between shadow boxing and heavy bag work to polish your technique.
• Visualize a Fight: Treat shadow boxing and bag work as a simulated fight. Don't just throw feints for the sake of movement, visualize your opponent's reactions and respond with deliberate strikes.

Take Your Training Further

To elevate your striking skills beyond feints, take a look at comprehensive training programs designed to make you fight-ready. These include:

• Striking Fundamentals Vol.1+2: Refine your punches, kicks, and combinations.
• Fighter's Footwork: Improve your footwork and moving while striking.
• Fight Ready Fitness: Build endurance, explosiveness and power.

These programs are flexible and can be done anywhere: at home, in the backyard or at the gym.