7 Boxing Footwork Tips to Avoid!

http://www.myboxingcoach.com - In this video I am going talk you through a range of boxing footwork ‘tips’ that I found on YouTube. I will identify the top 7 of these ‘tips’ that I consider to be either of very limited use or just downright dangerous. I will also describe some alternatives that are much more likely to give you a positive outcome.

Boxing Footwork Tip #1 - The Shuffle Step

This first boxing footwork tip is interesting, because any coach (like me for instance) would call a boxer out on this one as a fault.
This is the action where as you move forward the feet come together, almost meeting directly under your body. From a certain viewpoint it actually looks quite good, rhythmic almost. However, it is a real vulnerability, exposing you to quite a bit of risk.

When your feet are together (in what I consider to be the most serious boxing footwork fault) you are unable to launch an attack or to effectively defend yourself. You are not fight effective. You should always seek to maintain your boxing stance.

Boxing Footwork Tip #2 - The Extended Step

This boxing footwork tip should be avoided simply because it encourages you to try to cover too much ground in one movement. It is the approach where when launching an attack you might be encouraged to cover a much larger distance than is actually required. So, rather than seeking to move 6 inches or so you may try to cover 18 inches.

Boxing Footwork Tip #3 - The Silly Side Step

I made up the title ‘Silly Side Step’, but I believe it describes perfectly this boxing footwork tip. Rather than performing a properly executed side step you are encouraged to go entirely square on and simply dance side to side. In doing this you are bringing your feet together and open up your full body to attack.

I think that the principle of putting this tip out there is for those moments where you do not want to engage with the opponent. I think this is assumed from watching professional bouts where there are times when a boxer will disengage to take the pressure out of a situation. Some might call it ‘running.’

In a short duration bout, that is an intense 3 or 4 rounder, you must be fight effective at all times. You must be able to put pressure on the opponent. If you are backing away and not delivering effective punches, you are losing the contest…it is really that simple.

When moving side to side, aim to do it under control and whilst remaining fight effective.

Boxing Footwork Tip #4 - The Back Pedal

Muhammad Ali was easily one of my all-time boxing favourites, no question. However, the back pedal is a legacy of the Great Man that we could do without! It is the action of ‘going on a bicycle’ and backing away from the opponent. Looks good, but it adds nothing to the ultimate aim of winning the boxing match.

Rather than helping you win the fight, back-pedalling is more likely to alienate judges and discourage them from giving you a decision. Similar to the silly side step, you should remain fight effective and if you need to back away from an opponent (which is absolutely fine), back away under control and ideally delivering shots on your way out. Not a problem giving ground, just ‘take a payment’ for it!

Boxing Footwork Tip #5 - The Switch Step

The Switch Step is an interesting boxing footwork tip. Many boxers incorporate it into their style, but they are not very likely to be coached in it. It’s something that they do as a sort of ‘cheat’ in order to open new angles on their less favoured side for movement (that is moving away from the lead foot, so for an orthodox boxer moving to their right side).

The move actually involves pulling the front foot backwards and stepping off to one side. Other ways to do this would be a sort of angled side step or even a move away and pivot. I also describe another Ali technique in the video as an alternative.

Boxing Footwork Tip #6 - Learn to Walk

This tip involves, when in full fight mode with an opponent, simply walking away. Backing away with steps as opposed to the controlled way we would expect of competent boxers. This is the ultimate in not remaining fight effective and is likely to result in at least a visit to the canvas due to a loss of balance, or maybe a visit to the canvas due to a loss of consciousness.

If you want to back away, please, please do so under control and defending yourself. It’s not rocket science!

Boxing Footwork Tip #7 - Lower Your Hands

Speaking of defending yourself, this one is easily the most ridiculous of all of our boxing footwork tips and should be totally avoided.

This tip suggests that you should simply lower your hands, I suppose in the way that a tightrope walker uses a pole to improve balance. The suggestion is that this in some way improves your boxing footwork and balance. Utter garbage.

Видео 7 Boxing Footwork Tips to Avoid! канала Fran Sands