Review of Feints and Traps: Crafting Shots Without Throwing Them

Review of Feints and Traps: Crafting Shots Without Throwing Them

Tale of the Tape
At elite level, punches land because of what happened before the punch. Feints and traps move the opponent’s hands and feet for you.

What It Is

Feint: A convincing fake—shoulder twitch, step, hand set—that draws a reaction.

Trap: A set-up that baits a specific counter you’re ready to punish.

Advantages

Free openings: Opponents make the gap for you.

Energy saving: One clever feint beats three wild swings.

Composure: Dictates tempo; you become the ring’s metronome.

Exposed

Lazy acting: Half-hearted feints get you countered.

Over-feinting: Too much theatre, not enough substance—judges notice.

Predictable baits: Same trap twice invites a big right hand.

Camp Drills

Mirror feints: Partner stands in guard; you feint shoulder, step or jab, aiming to make them blink or move the guard—then freeze. Reset. Score only if you draw a clear reaction.

Two-beat trap: Jab to chest (establish), feint jab, then rear hand as they reach.

Lead hand sell: Hand opens slightly, hip twitches; if they parry, shoot the hook around the glove.

Body-head patterning: Two body jabs in early rounds, then feint body and throw rear uppercut in the fourth.

Corner Notes
Sell the feet first: tiny level change, heel click, or shoulder drop. Keep eyes calm—wild staring kills the act.

Scorecard (Verdict)
Feints and traps are chess, not draughts. Practise the acting, log which opponents bite on what, and cash the cheque later in the bout.

-Muhammad