Perhaps the most recognizable of boxing techniques is the Peek-a-Boo. Yes, there is a childs game by that name. The execution of the Peek-a-Boo is very much like the game. In the game, the hands are placed over the face to hide it.
In boxing, a boxers hands go up in front of his face to provide extra protection to the face and head. It is a commonly used stance in fight scenes in movies. It has been used in everyday fights as well. Children on the playground instinctively put their hands up in front of their faces, fists balled in preparation to defend or attack. Boxers use the Peek-a-Boo in a similar manner. It allows them to launch combinations from a defensive stance.
To properly carry out the Peek-a-Boo, a boxer places his hands in front of his face. The forearms remain loose and the gloved hands are held somewhere on the same level with the nose or eyes. By holding the arms and hands up, the face and head are guarded. This position also provides an excellent stance from which to deliver punches to your opponent. You can block an incoming punch with one hand and throw a punch with the other hand.
Combinations also work well from the Peek-a-Boo. The one-two punch is well set up. Others may include punching the body, the head and then the body again. Or two punches to the body followed by one to the head. These combinations are usually practiced on equipment such as a boxing dummy or punching bag to improve speed and force before going up against a live opponent. Practicing with a small punching bag, known as a speed bag, also teaches the boxer to keep his hands up in the Peek-a-Boo.
The Peek-a-Boo also provides ease at avoiding incoming punches. The head can be moved from one side to the other. Bobbing and weaving are often done as well. The head and neck can be hastily moved to dodge a hit. Rapid ducking can become the force behind a punch on the way back up.
Perhaps the most widely recognized of boxing stances, the Peek-a-Boo is very versatile. As a defensive move, it protects the face and head. It also puts the hands into a good position for delivering blows to the head and body of your opponent. It doesnt have to be strictly one or the other. It flows easily from deflecting to punching with little need for adjusting or pausing. It is one of the most common and also most effective boxing techniques.