How to improve my footwork

[Sharla]

I don't think anything I do is perfect. Posture and balance is something I am continually working on.

I don't think there will be any quick fixes and with me I think part of it is physical as well as technical.

I need to become consistant with my stretching etc to loosen up muscles that bend my back out of place to move more effectively.

[Howlin Mad Missy]

Is there something in particular you want to work on? Defence, closing the range?

I think skipping is great for endurance in the legs but it does not automatically mean your footwork will be better. Train as you want to perform.

To improve your footwook drill footwork. As Donny has mentioned, shadowboxing is great. Actually try a couple of rounds just dancing round the ring, have someone you know won't try and kill you chase you round the ring whilst you evade, that'll get you moving.

Don't forget to move your feet when working the heavy bag, sure you can do a round slugging on it but switch with moving in and out of range, move round the bag, move after throwing every punch or combo.

Have a good pad partner. Have them move round (I'm sure they do).

If there is a specific combo you want to work on, eg. jab/cross/hook/ throw in place, throw it moving forward/back, throw the jab, step forward and out and move again before throwing the hook. Practice it light and fast/hard/ etc etc.

Lots of things to play with that your trainer should or could be doing, plenty of things you can work on at home. Good luck

[donnydarkoIRL]

Some great points there Missy.

I think another thing you'll have to learn is that when speaking of footwork, it does not have to be elaborate or flash.
Practising economy of movement is a great tool as it conserves energy and the small subtle movements can get you where you want to go a lot quicker than any flamboyant exaggerated moves. see B-hop vids on you tube.

[Sharla]

Thanks missy and hitmandonny,

yeah I have a lot to work on but I'll try to put your ideas into practice over the next few months and watch some bhop

I seem to either over reach and pick my back foot up off of the ground (and bounce around like a fool) or plant too heavily on my back foot and leave my weight on it too heavily (and be economical with movement).

I haven't managed to find the happy medium consistently. Perhaps you're right on point when you mention range there Missy as well as hitmandonny's comment on economy of movement.

My balance does seem to be better when I force myself to throw combos and get into more of a flow though. Odd!

[The Boxer]

everybody can't dance around like ali. first make sure that you can move regulary without crossing your feet.

[shazzbutt]

one thing i can say has help me is skating. it really helps for you balance ey and your feet are shoulder width apart . but there is one negative thoe and that is that to pushing can create the habit of bringing you feet together when you try to step fast. so you just need to work on that in shadow work after you skate.