Ali footwork

[jahmez]

Thanks guys. I do that same move now but I step with my left foot to the left when I throw my first jab. Is that the wrong thing to do? It feels much more comfortable doing this especially when retreating to my left.

Looking at that diagram and Ali's stance I feel that perhaps my stance is too straight on (completely not square). Is that why I feel uncomfortable moving my right foot to the left first when throwing my first jab? If I do that it feels as if the angle I'm creating will cause me to jab too much to their left.

Also, could you guys give me some of your thoughts on Ali's movement, particularly to the left. I've noticed patterns but would really like to get your take on it all. Thanks

[Fran@myboxingcoach]

Hey Jahmez

I think Chris acknowledges at the start of his post that he wouldn't emulate Ali's style, and I broadly agree although, there's some great stuff to learn from him. I'd certainly be reluctant about using the diagrams, the talk about crossing the legs and punching whilst one foot is in the air is a real problem for me. If there's one thing I would pick up from Ali, be it early in his career or later, is his ability to be 'on the edge of range', using deft lay backs and slips to avoid shots and capitalising on the openings and putting real psychological pressure on the opponent. Whether you choose to be highly mobile or not, you should really ensure that your stance is workable. Ensure you don't allow your feet to get in a muddle because of a desire to be too mobile too soon.

Cheers

Fran

[jahmez]

Thanks Fran. I started boxing to help me in a street fight so I made a choice to be a puncher before I even started. Once I started sparring I was always sparred better boxers than me and was never allowed to punch my hardest. This was fine until I started sparring pressure fighters. Now I need to become a better boxer and improve my footwork.

[Andre]

These guys are right, if you start trying to emulate the more outragous boxers footwork who got away with stuff when they were well ahead in a fight, then you are going to come up against some problems.

All things work sometimes.

IF you go trying out all things anytime, your fukked;

because text book boxing is designed to expose and capitalize on any weakness and that would be a big one (being in a new position for no good reason other than trying it out).


Like that cross leg thing you see here if you think about it or try it slowly you'll notice it replaces stepping out that way fully committed with your left foot, but it is a half step because its behind with the right foot.
(you dont have to cross them btw) That looks more crossed than it ever should be from the point of view of the observer the drawer, not the fighter.

Anyway to take a leg behind a lead leg, creates a half step and it gets your head in behind your lead shoulder (from the opponents point of view).So to me, that says you could get away with it if they throw a committed rear hand and you cover it or block it during the half step.

If you did that on reaction to the lead hand jab your going down ,you're off balance,stuck and more open to them simply doubling up their left attack as you are then facing it as it comes at you.

People like Ali, Rjj etc get away with stuff once they know they can risk it once they have zero respect for someones talent speed and power.

I think its a mistake to emulate those moves as a set combo but fun to pull them apart to see when bits of them can work for you.