When 2 animals fight/play, why do they both pause at certain points and then continue fighting/playing after a few seconds?

Question

I’ve noticed this behavior in animals like Rams who butt heads but then both pause for a second before continuing to fight.

In: Biology

Answer 1

In addition to other explenations. Look at fighters. MMA, boxing, anything. There are times when, in a fight or just sparring, that they aren’t actively fighting. They are looking for openings, waiting to defend, evaluating the situation.