Defense and footwork
Pivot
Pivot
FlowPivot
A pivot is footwork where you turn your body around your pivot foot and get off the opponent's front. You keep a stance you can punch from, while only the opponent has to take the time to turn and face you. Add it as a set at the end of an attack, as footwork to get off the line of the opponent's counter after you finish punching.
| Type | Defense and footwork |
|---|---|
| Footwork and defense | Pivot |
| Goals | Footwork Techniques, Angle Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Pivot: step by step
- Finish your attack and bring both hands back to your guard position.
- Turn your heel using the ball of your front foot as the pivot point.
- Swing your back foot around in an arc to change the direction you're facing.
- Rebuild your stance in a position off the opponent's front.
Pivot: key points
- Do it as a set at the end of an attack. If you stay in front after punching, you're on the line of the opponent's counter.
- After you turn, keep a stance you can punch from right away. Create a situation where only the opponent has to reset.
- The turn is a small movement around your pivot foot. If you circle wide, the distance changes and your next attack won't reach.
Pivot: common mistakes
- Stopping in front of the opponent at the end of your punches. You stay on the line of their counter and take the return.
- Dropping your hands as you turn. You get hit right after changing direction and can't throw your next punch either.
- Turning only your upper body without moving your pivot foot. Your feet and upper body face different ways and your stance breaks.
Pivot: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, throw a one-two and then pivot to change direction. Repeat, and check that your stance is set when you finish turning.
- On the heavy bag, after a one-two-hook, pivot around to the side of the bag and punch again from the new angle.
Combinations that use this move
Related techniques
By goalFootwork TechniquesAngle 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.