Layering and Stacking are two methods coaches use to teach combinations. These were discussed in an earlier post, which you may find here.
To recap:
Layering is the process of adding a single move, repeating it several times, adding another single move, repeating the combination several times, adding another move, and so on.
Stacking is the process of practicing a combination, then practicing a separate combination, and then putting them together into one, longer combination.
But there is a third, more advanced method specific to padwork. It can be traced back to Roger Mayweather, and may be called ‘Cycling’ or ‘Looping’.
A ‘cycle’ is a combination repeated on loop. For example:
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
… and so on.
When practiced long enough, a cycle becomes automated, and may be taken as a baseline upon which other instructions may be given by the coach.
These other instructions are pre-set combinations, and may be called ‘plug-ins’ because they do not form part of the cycle. For example:
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Pull, Cross, Double Jab, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
Uppercut, Cross, Hook, Cross /
… and so on.
The combination (in this case ‘Pull, Cross, Double Jab, Cross’) is ‘plugged in’ and then immediately ‘plugged out’ of the cycle. Once performed, a plug-in is not repeated again, unless called on by the coach.
To summarise:
Cycling or Looping is the process of repeating a single combination on loop, while the coach calls out pre-set combinations at key moments.
The purpose of this method is to free the mind to think ahead while throwing punches. It teaches how to make adjustments because the plug-ins create a broken rhythm. And it also improves stamina.
Application
This method is for padwork but there is nothing stopping a boxer from practicing it while shadowboxing or while hitting the heavy bag.
Pick a combination to repeat on loop, decide on some pre-set plug-ins, and get practicing. Once you have learned a combination, move on to another one.
References:
Coach Rick, (2017) Coach Rick's Mittology - Break-Down Tutorial (Early Model 09) Roger Mayweather Style Base Pattern, [Online Video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skXqlxS7LVU (Access Date: 11/09/2021)
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