Whether it's boxing, Thai boxing, or mma, a good fighter needs to have good footwork. Maybe today you are not sure how to improve your footwork.
If so, I'll explain the importance of footwork in boxing, whether it's attacking or defending, and some tips for progressing at this level.
With this, you will be mobile like a cheetah in the ring.
One of the best in this field of all combat sports is without a doubt Muhammad Ali. I let you admire this video sequence ...
It is undoubtedly in English boxing that the importance of footwork is emphasized the most. But in a kick-ass discipline like Thai boxing, the legs also have a very important role.
Let's see why having good footwork is important and how to improve your footwork .
Why is good footwork important in boxing?
We often forget the lower part of the body to focus only on what we see above. However, footwork is fundamental whether in English boxing, kickboxing, muaythai. All martial arts require excellent footwork.
Good footwork allows for faster, more instinctive movements. Good boxing footwork also allows for a better distribution of body weight when taking support.
Here are some tips to improve your footwork
The footwork work is particularly important to be able to accelerate your game in the ring . Power and speed come when one is able to engage all of the body at one time.
When you practice, remember to be strong and relaxed at the same time on your supports.
You have to be able to strike at the right time. At boxing can change everything in less than a second.
Good footwork gets in and out of the attack zone.
Footwork for defense in boxing
The footwork allows you to be more efficient during your attacks but it is also with your footwork that you will be able to get out of it when your opponent tries to corner you!
You have to be able to turn around your opponent (on the side of his front foot to always be ahead of his back arm).
Don't be still, keep moving and even move your head. The specificity in Thai boxing is that it is often required to be very firm on your supports and to move less than in other combat sports. However, that doesn't mean you have to wait and take the blows! You are not a punching bag!
Keep your body moving and mobile, but save your energy as well. It is a balance to be found. This is valid whether it is Thai boxing or any other combat sport.
You will understand, footwork is very important in combat sports, whether it is Muay Thai, Kickboxing and mma.
How to improve your boxing footwork?
To improve your boxing footwork, three exercises are particularly effective: chasing steps and shadowboxing:
- Skipping Rope: Skipping rope is the most effective exercise for improving your footwork.
- Steps chasing in all directions at maximum speed is one of the exercises that will improve your footwork.
- Shadowboxing is also a great exercise to improve footwork. This type of exercise requires constant movement.
In conclusion, improving your footwork is fundamental.
Having better movements means hitting the opponent more often and being the least affected.
A moving target is a target that is difficult to hit. Footwork in boxing is therefore important whether it is about attacking or defending.
Typical training to improve your footwork
Here is a small program that you can follow to improve your footwork (2min of exercise for 30 seconds of rest):
- Skipping rope
- Shadowboxing with the feet forward
- Shadowboxing with your feet back
- Jump lunges
- Jumping jack
- Hops on guard
- Not hunted
You can do this little training program, once a week, in addition to your club training. 🥊
Fab - your coach.
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In the same theme, find our article " Improving your breathing during a fight ".
Have a good training!
