5 tips for fighting taller opponents

1/Catch their kicks

Taller opponents will tend to kick and use long teeps to keep you out of range. Catch them. You can choose to throw them down or pull them into a strike.

2/Fast entries

You can naturally move forward much faster than you move back.

Be explosive and blitz them before they have time to regain their distance. Remember to break their rhythm by using feints.

3/Try attack on the counter

If you feel like they’re backing up when you try to throw shots, take advantage when they meet you to throw your strike back.

4/Get dirty with the boxing and use clinch

Length no longer matters when you’re up in their face. Utilise the clinch with dumps, knees and sweeps, or pull down their guard to deliver an overhand/elbow.

5/Throw kicks when they punch

Usually a kick will land longer than a punch. Strike as soon as they plant their legs to throw. Examples:

• Teep as they come in to punch to stop them.

• Bait them to punch with a high guard and smash in a low kick.

• Lean back as they punch and throw a roundhouse.