The handiwork of throwing punches, hooks and jabs play a starring role in the boxing ring. But feet play more than a supporting role.  Watch the boxer’s footwork. It takes her in for the punch and then and out of range of her opponent’s deadly return hit. A boxer will even use walking movements to stalk or evade her opponent. Footwork is both offensive and defensive.

A boxer knows that the more time she spends moving her feet, the less time she spends moving her hands. Staying on her feet is critical: no body part other than her feet can touch the floor.  After 10 seconds down, it is a ‘knockout’ ending to the match. Stability and agility are hallmarks of a boxer’s footwork.

Fighting Footwork: The Bounce Step

The boxer keeps his bounces small, jumping downwards on the balls of both feet and landing lightly on both feet. Using the balls of his feet in thin-soled shoes gives him more balance, control, and power. His body weight is distributed evenly over his feet. He can change directions and cover distance quickly, while using less energy. His body twists back and forth with each bounce like the opposite arm movements of a normal walking gait.

While his arms may explode into punches, his feet have a different tempo.  The boxer’s bounce step is relaxed, low to the ground, very fast and yet subtle. He can use this footwork throughout an entire fight.

Go to – http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule

Resources:

http://www.toronto2015.org/boxing

http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/boxing-footwork/boxing-bounce-step-footwork-technique

http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/boxing-footwork/10-boxing-footwork-tips

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.   1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

TRAINING – COMPETITION – PODIUM