Fundamentals
Don't stay in front of them
Take an angle
Right in front of the opponent is where both of their hands reach most easily. Staying there is the same as walking into a place with no way out. Keep shifting to the side or at an angle, holding positions that are hard for them to punch from where they stand. Whether you're entering their range or leaving it, move at an angle, not straight.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Goals | Footwork Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Don't stay in front of them: how to do it
- In your guard, stand slightly to the side or at an angle from directly in front of them.
- When you enter their range, step in at an angle instead of straight forward.
- After you finish punching, don't back straight up. Shift to the side or back at an angle to get out of range.
- When they turn to face you again, shift again and retake the angle.
Don't stay in front of them: key points
- Don't stand still in front of them. Keep shifting little by little to the side or at an angle.
- Whether you're entering range or leaving it, go at an angle, not straight.
- Keep taking positions they can't punch from without turning their body.
Don't stay in front of them: common mistakes
- You only move straight forward and back in front of them. Then you stay on the line of their straight punches and get hit more easily.
- You stop once you've taken an angle. Then they turn to face you and you're back in front of them.
- You back straight up as you finish punching. Then when they follow, they hit you on the same line.
Don't stay in front of them: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, imagine the opponent in front of you, step in at an angle and punch, then exit back at an angle. Repeat to both the left and the right.
- Circle the heavy bag and punch from positions that aren't in front of it, shifting your position right after you punch.
Related techniques
By goalFootwork 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.