​Probing--Tendency and Timing Detection

An integral part of sparring is deception. This is the ability to fake and is an essential factor in defeating an opponent. However, determining and implementing the correct deceptive strategy for the specific opponent you are facing is the real challenge. This is done by a tactic called probing.
Each opponent you face has a tendency to act in a certain way. He has favorite moves that make up his style of fighting. Some fighters charge in, some lay back, some like to kick, some like to punch, just to name a few. Probing is a tactic that uses false leads to allow the opponent's style to be determined. A false lead is the extension of a weapon towards an opponent without the commitment of body weight. So, when you first face an opponent, probe to see what he does and then choose the correct strategy to fit his style.