Some Tips on Feinting

Feinting is a delicate balance of physical and psychological deception. It takes a good amount of practice to master. Being able to portray many different “faces” in combat gives you an added edge.


Sequence of Feinting
1. Give a false movement
2. Make the opponent react
3. Take advantage of his reaction


Types of feints
1. False movement
2. Eye direction
3. Slow down
4. Change of speed
5. Psychological

Set-ups

Setting-up is often confused with drawing or feinting. While drawing and feinting lure the opponent into your trap, a set-up uses the opponent’s strength, habit or preconceived thought against him. The best way to understand a set-up is to look at some examples.

Example 1
Attack the opponent continuously with a straight punch to the face. He will raise his guard to block, expecting that the punches are your only strategy. When he becomes comfortable with his defense, attack with a hook kick to the leg. Make him create a habit, based on your habit. When you break your habit, he will be unprepared to respond.

Example 2
Attack with kicking combinations and give your opponent time to adjust to your kicking style. When he feels confident handling your kicks, rush in and throw him to the ground. Your unexpected change of tactics will catch him off guard.


Example 3
If you know the opponent well, you will not have to spend time to create a habit or psychological pattern as in the first two examples. For example, if you know he likes to counter with his right hook kick, give him a short right hook kick to the body. While he is countering with his favorite technique, follow up with a back kick to the groin. This will make him hesitate to use his best skill again soon.