BOXING FOOTWORK AND HOW TO MOVE

How To Move

Basic Footwork

Footwork is the foundation of boxing! Good footwork is an essential part of boxing skills. A boxer must be able to move in any direction with the least amount of effort. Fast and stable footwork allows the positioning of the feet for the most effective attack and defence. The basic stance or guard position plays a big part in the way you move, the position of the boxer’s feet and the distance between your feet is the foundation of all moves and punches in modern boxing. The boxer should experiment a little to find the most comfortable position.

Feet Positioning

• Begin with feet placed shoulder distance apart.

• Move the right foot back a little more than shoulder distance.

• Placing the legs too far apart will slow a boxer’s movement and can lower the boxer’s height if too far apart which can be a disadvantage in modern style boxing.

• The boxer should be raised on the balls of the feet with knees held slightly bent, the right foot heel is elevated 3-4cm and the front foot heel elevated 1-2cm.

This foot positioning will have the boxer leaning slightly forward and gives speed of movement. Always remember to keep the front foot between you and your opponent. It doesn’t matter in which direction the boxer moves, the basic foot positioning and spacing is maintained. The basic rules are that you never cross your feet and you never bring them together.

Tip
A boxer will tend naturally to go wider with his feet as he boxes, so it is good idea to start with a close distance between the feet when learning the basics.

Moving Forward
To move forward, push from the rear foot while stepping forward with your front foot, the rear foot then closes the distance by stepping forward so the boxer is back in his basic stance.

Moving Backwards

To move backward the front foot pushes backward while the rear foot takes a step back, the front foot then closes the distance by sliding backward so the boxer is back in his basic stance.

Moving Left

To move left, push left from the rear foot while moving the front foot to the left, the right foot quickly follows, sliding parallel to regain your stance.

Moving Right

To move right, the left foot or front foot pushes to the right while the right foot steps to the right, the left foot quickly follows, sliding parallel to regain your stance.

Pivoting Left

From the guard position move the left foot to the left while at the same time pivoting on the rear foot, always keeping your front foot between you and your opponent.

Pivoting Right

From the guard position move the right foot back and to the left while at the same time pivoting on the front foot, always keeping your front foot between you and your opponent.

The objective is to maintain your solid foundation which is provided by the boxer’s basic guard position and when you move, take short steps, barely lifting your feet off the ground.  For all of your boxing equipment needs visit our site Ringsport