Defense and footwork
Double step
Double step
FlowDouble step
The double step is footwork where you close the distance to the opponent in two small steps instead of one big one. Your feet spend more time on the floor, so you can react if the opponent counters while you're closing in. Use it when you're wary of the opponent's counter, such as when closing the distance before going in with a one-two.
| Type | Defense and footwork |
|---|---|
| Footwork and defense | Double step |
| Goals | Footwork Techniques, Range Control Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Double step: step by step
- Staying in your stance, move your front foot forward a little and bring your back foot up.
- When you're back at your stance width, move your front foot forward again and bring your back foot up.
- Reset your stance where you finish and move into your next attack or defense.
Double step: key points
- For the same distance, close in two steps rather than one. Each step is small, so your body spends less time in the air.
- Your feet touch the floor once between the two steps. That lets you see what the opponent is doing and decide whether to stop, get out of the way, or punch.
- Keep your stance width and both hands in position through both steps.
Double step: common mistakes
- Jumping in with one big step. The opponent times a counter while you're in the air and you can't get out of the way.
- Stopping between the first and second step. The opponent reads the distance and backs away.
- Narrowing your stance on the second step. Your stance breaks and you can't punch right after closing in.
Double step: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, close in with a double step and then throw a one-two. Repeat, and check that your stance hasn't broken when you finish closing in.
- On the heavy bag, stand a little away from the bag, close in with a double step, then punch.
Combinations that use this move
Related techniques
By goalFootwork TechniquesRange Control Techniques
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.