Training Drills for Improving Your Blocks
Introduction
Improving your blocks is one of the most important aspects of martial arts training. Good blocks can prevent an attack, minimize damage and open an opportunity for counter-attack. However, blocks require not only strength but also speed, timing, and precision. In this article, we will go through various training drills that target these aspects of blocking.
Body
Drills That Improve Your Strength and Timing
1. Heavy Bag Drills:
Heavy bags are one of the most valuable pieces of gym equipment when it comes to improving your strikes, kicks, and blocks. To improve your blocks, you should focus on striking the bag with your blocks. You can start with simple blocks such as high block, low block, or middle block. Make sure to hit the bag with power to develop your strength. Additionally, timing is crucial in blocking, so you should practice blocking right after the bag hits you. This way you get used to reacting to the attack immediately.
2. Partner Drills:
Another way to develop your blocking strength and timing is through partner drills. In this drill, a partner throws punches or kicks that you block with your arms or legs. Start with simple attacks such as straight punches or roundhouse kicks. Gradually, you can move on to more complex attacks and combinations. This drill also helps you improve your footwork and body positioning while blocking.
Drills That Improve Your Speed and Precision
1. Shadow Boxing:
Shadowboxing is an excellent drill to improve your footwork, speed, and precision. To focus on blocks, you can imagine an opponent throwing different types of attacks at you, and respond by blocking them. Practice your blocks with different types of attacks, angles, and distances. Make sure you execute the proper technique with precision and speed.
2. Reaction Drills:
Reaction drills improve your reflexes and response time. One of the simplest reaction drills is called the "mirror drill." In this drill, two partners stand face to face, mirroring each other's movements. One partner throws a random punch or kick, and the other partner blocks it immediately. This drill helps you to react quickly and accurately.
Drills That Improve Your Ability to Block Multiple Attacks
1. Multiple Attack Drills:
Multiple attack drills are necessary because in a real-life situation, you may face more than one attacker. In this drill, one partner throws a combination of attacks at you, and your job is to block them all. You need to be quick, efficient, and precise while blocking multiple attacks. Gradually, you can increase the number of attackers and complexity of the attacks.
2. Blindfold Drills:
Blindfolds drills help you to trust your instincts and enhance your awareness. In this drill, you block random attacks from a partner while blindfolded. This forces you to rely on your sensing reflexes and develop your spatial awareness. It also trains you to block without seeing, which can be an advantage in a tricky situation.
Conclusion
Improving your blocks requires consistent practice and dedication. You should train your blocks with various drills that target your strength, timing, speed, precision, and multi-attack situations. Remember, blocking is just as important as striking, so don't take it for granted. Incorporate these drills into your martial arts training and see how your blocking skills grow and develop over time.