Slips are often a misunderstood technique since combat sports fans think they are purely defensive and used for evading punches, however there is a lot more nuance and context when using this tool. There are inherent risks and dangers when using any tool in combat sports and slipping is no different. There are two types of slips: rear side slip and the lead side slip. Both types of slips have their dangers and benefits in the open stance match up.
Slipping to the Rear Side
It's best to look at southpaw vs orthodox match ups to really understand the dangers of slipping in a ruleset that involves kicking. The rear kick from this stance matchup is very effective at punishing the rear side slip.
The importance of the standing leg as mentioned in a previous study:
"Slipping to the rear foot in an open stance matchup is the most risky and most dangerous thing to do. This is because of the position of the standing leg. It only needs a small adjustment in the pocket and has all the space for the rear kick to meet the path of the slip."
Tip Sheet: Positions in Striking
- 9h6st21
Read on SubstackVideo 1: Video breakdown of how easy it is to adjust the standing leg at borders in an open stance matchup. Usman reacting to the feinted rear straight by slipping to the rear side cost him here since he’s in the grey area between borders and the pocket.
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