Circling right

[Chris Nagel]

That's absolutely right Donny. If I'm getting hit I have to ask myself why, and then make the necessary changes to fixes it. It's the same with improving in any aspect, technique or otherwise. I think that it's up to each fighter to figure out most of this on their own. In time we begin to realize that it's often little changes here and there that make the biggest difference.

[Rocky Balboa]

I tried the way you just mentioned Chris and I like it. I'm going to do it that way, thanks

[Chris Nagel]

It'll help to practice throwing your punches while circling mindful of the timing between your punches and footwork. For example let's say you're circling right, as you move your left foot jab at the same time. Now after you pivot (or when you're facing your opponent) throw a straight right. You can repeat it (jab, right, jab, right...) so that it becomes natural without needing to hit the breaks to punch. Also practice circling both ways as that's what you're going to have to do when you get in the ring.

[Scrap]

Get a partner, put left hands together facing each other. Now move wherever you want one leading the way the other following, left right back forward. Take it in turns play ring around a roses if he goes left try changing by going right, play at it. Now when youve got that, tie your opposite feet thats you and your partners together so they are 4 ft apart with rubber, now it gets interesting.

[Sharla]

It's fairly complicated really isn't it!

Hitmandonny's comment makes sense to me because if i gather correctly:

• sidestep too far and you open up like Chris says
• move your left foot across first like Chris says to set up the pivot I guess you wouldn't want to move it too far because it will move your head over your right side a fair bit and make it difficult to move when neccessary
• Keep your left foot angled in a bit and stance not too square to begin with and your body is less likely to be open when you do sidestep
• BUT angle your front foot too much and be completely sideways and you'll have the same problem as in the second doc point.

Does that make sense? Do I understand? So basically you need to combine a few variable to add up to something which works for you rather than just one thing?

[Chris Nagel]

Good work analyzing the pros and cons Sharla. Also keep in mind that there's a time a place for everything. A great fighter knows when to break the rules, i.e. crossing the feet, bringing the rear foot forward, squaring up, etc. Find out what works for you and always keep an open mind in finding another or better way of doing things.