Thread: footwork..looking for comments from the peanut gallery ...

A basic footwork technique for beginners - Sherdog Mixed Martial Arts Forums

I'm not so sure about bringing the rear foot up, as he shows in the diagram, at least in a boxing context. Having your feet together like that is a risky proposition, especially when the move takes you directly into punching range.
Also, I think there should be more angle on the front foot as it does two things; makes you a more narrow as a target, and gets your lead hand closer to your opponent.

For me and my understanding of boxing this is pretty wrong... First the directions in which both boxers are throwing the shots are wrong. If you throw the right across like on the pictures you won't have power and accuracy... There is something else that bothers me. Being able to make this movement means that your weight is on your front leg... It alone for me is really wrong and this means when you throw the jab you are going to go to your left into his cross! In the real direction of the punch! And if you go right this is the perfect direction of your oponents jab...
And i am asking my self how many times have i seen such a step in a fight and how many times did it work? (NEVER)

very perceptive Nikola... that straight should be straight not angled. i also didn't like the weight distribution. i was thinking this reminded me a little of how boxers will do like a crab shuffle forward i forget who does it a lot but i have noticed it they come forward but more at a 45 degree angle and not straight in...anyone that can add to this?

Are you talking about Joe Fraziers move forward?

i'm not sure i thought it was Haggler or Hearns maybe a vid would be great if ya got one...

Ill type in blue I think its very good so long as the limits and dangers are realized and hand position and control is placed to minimize risk.


A lot of people have trouble with the concept of closing the distance and approaching your opponent at
angles. Most people understand the concept of using angles and why they are good, but IMHO, there
aren’t many specific instructions on how to actually achieve them. Here is a basic footwork drill that is
both illustrative of the concepts and extremely useful in sparring.

First, this is the neutral position from the top down:


The diagram represents two fighters in orthodox stance just outside of striking range. The dotted lines
represent the path of straight punches and the darker ovals represent foot placement.


This is a straight step in. The front foot moves first and the back leg shuffles after it. With a straight
forward step in, you can close the distance, but you can also be hit while making the move. A lot of
people time the counter when their opponents are stepping straight forward, especially if they aren’t
throwing anything while they do it. If your opponent has greater reach, is faster, or hits a lot harder than
you do, you are going to want to avoid the straight step in since they will hit you before you get a chance
to hit them.

I belive you would be wanting to have contact and control of the opponents left forearm or elbow with your right glove when stepping through like this. Specially in MMA because to have control over their leading arm means you have control over their leading leg.

Now back at the starting position, try this instead:

First, take a step with your back leg to the side. It shouldn’t go past your front leg. You might have to
adjust the length or the distance forward with the step based on your opponent and how fast you want
to move in. A short step is faster, but you won’t close as much distance or have as great an angle for the next
step. Play around with it to see what works best for you.

This is great if you are in control of their balance and their leading arm.

But as the diagram is drawn (at that exact stage) it shows the weakness in the move if you get caught right there.

The dude in blue is square shouldered for that instance and can be toppled, he has also opened himself up as well as decreased one gloves distance from the target and increased the other gloves distance to the target.(for that instance)
So he can hit with two hands equally right there his opponent with one.
That can be a real bad trap if once again he hasnt got contact and control as he moves.

If you do this twice without correct timing, a good boxer will have you down.


With the second part, quickly step your front foot towards your opponent. If done right, you should not only
be at a distance where you can hit your opponent, but also at an angle where they can’t effectively hit you back.

MAybe im missing something..

Surley if you can hit someone they are also at the distance where they can hit you; If both are in front stance like the sketch)

Unless you are on the outside edge of one of their arms, then you are in total control.

I can see that you can fire over the path of their straight left though.

Best of all, it has the same timing as a traditional step in, so you aren’t sacrificing any speed to achieve it.

Practice it with a heavy bag or by taking turns throwing 1-2-3's with a blocking, stationary partner. Throw the jab as you take the second step. Leave a comment if you have something to add. In the future, I'd like to make more of these style diagrams to help explain certain striking concepts.

a problem i see with it is that when squared up, you are just like if you take a huge initial step forward on the reg step and drag, right in position to get knocked down. i think also that if you were to angle out more and trap him with his own lead hand it would be a decent catch but this diagram don't show that so much.

Find some video of Buddy McGirt. He had tremendous footwork and was very skilled at getting inside. You'll see how he 'cheats' his way in, using foot feints or by subtly sliding is lead foot forward and then pulling up behind it. Also, how he uses the jab and what I refer to a a 'fencer's step'- pushing off his back foot, coming in with his jab, and then getting good position inside to avoid being hit.
Andre makes a very good point about the importance of controlling the opponent's lead hand. Trying to walk in on somebody is pretty difficult if both his hands are between you. The idea is to get past the first one and, while it is still out there, he can't throw the other one, much, so its important to move quickly.
To come in at angles, you need to first discard the idea of "side-to-side" movement, and understand that the whole game occurs in a circle, and that you create angle by controlling the turn of the circle