Three-punch budget

Purpose

Manage a shared punch allowance across the whole exchange so that initiating does not use up every available answer.

Setup

• Each boxer has three straight punches for the entire exchange, including attacks and counters
• Feints and footwork do not spend a punch
• Unused punches are allowed
• The coach resets each exchange
• Use only with appropriately matched, registered and medically cleared boxers wearing full sparring equipment, in a boxing ring under the direct supervision of an appropriately licensed Level 2 coach
• Follow the governing body’s current sparring requirements
• Keep contact light and controlled
• Stop immediately if either boxer loses control, becomes distressed or cannot maintain the agreed task
• Coach calls override every game condition

Run it

1. Start at long range. A initiates in the first exchange; alternate the initiating boxer thereafter.
2. Every attempted punch uses one of that boxer’s three, whether it lands, misses or is blocked. A counter also uses a punch.
3. Once a boxer has spent all three, the coach immediately ends the exchange so nobody must continue defending against an opponent with unused punches. Also reset after a clear separation or five seconds without an attack.
4. Discuss whether the boxer spent the allowance intelligently, retained a possible answer and avoided throwing simply to use the budget.
5. Complete four 60-second rounds with 60 seconds rest. Keep contact light and count aloud initially.