Comments on: Boxing Basics Part II: Stance & Footwork

By: Paul T

Paul T — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:10:39 +0000

Enjoyed the read, thanks. We’re seeing a huge increase in participation numbers for boxing here in Australia, anybody else seeing similar elsewhere?

By: fahad

fahad — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:50:58 +0000

how to apply hook and uppercuts in southpaw i mean and my opponent cant think that some very different…??

By: Greg Hall

Greg Hall — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:48:22 +0000

Your stance and guard are your foundation for everything.
Because of that they are your confidence.
Whenever you get out of position always look to get back to your stance before doing anything else.
Keeping your chin down as well as hiding your chin/jaw also creates an angle where the power can be dissipated a little. A little tip I give for that is to look through the eyebrows if you can see the eyebrows your chin is down.
You should work on keeping your hands up and chin down while punching and evading.
There are basic pointers and guidelines for hand positions but the key is if you are aware where your hands are and at all times and are confident you can block punch counter etc then anywhere up is good.

A good rule of thumb with footwork is to move the foot that is closest to the direction you want to go in first so to the left, left – right etc. Also however far the first foot moves the trailing foot should move the same amount to keep the base/ the balance the same.

With a good balanced stance don’t let your knee past your foot or shoulders come past the knee, and backwards don’t let your hips go past your heals.

A little drill I have new practitioners of the game do is to lean in all directions while stood in the stance till they find the balance point in them areas and then they know never to go past that point.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:48:51 +0000

Referring to your feet, how should they be pointed? Should both be pointed 45 degrees out, forward, to the side, etc.?
And in reference to a square, would standing on the opposite corners be the angle you would want to maintain?

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:02:34 +0000

Chad, great post. Watching the video, reading the post and also the comments reminded me of some things I need to focus on more with my students–especially the aspect of small steps. Thanks a lot.

By: alon

alon — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 06:41:11 +0000

shouldnt your heels be up so it will look like your trying to hold a ball between your knee caps?

By: Personal Training Melbourne

Personal Training Melbourne — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:00:23 +0000

Great post, before i start any boxing drills with my clients I always make sure their footwork is correct. Definately a great way to get the punching technique correct too and gives an all body work out.

By: Chad

Chad — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:22:23 +0000

Hey guys thanks for the comments.

@Martin – footwork and small steps are a definite must. Take a look at a guy like Tyson for an example of small steps, footwork, and not getting caught up in the air. You want your feet on the ground at all times so you can react and throw back.

@Rob Glenn – great points, thanks for adding those in.

@Mike at the Big Stick – I’ve tried that as well but never felt comfortable. One of my favorite fighters uses this stance – Miguel Cotto – and I can definitely see the benefits of it for both boxing and mma.

@Charlie – I totally agree. It’s a great thing to have in your repertoire of skills. Even if you’re not planning on competing, get a few lessons in with someone that’ll critique your technique and make sure you’ve got the basics down pat.

@David B. – ya my trainer did the same – either a tennis ball or rolled up hand wraps.

@Jose – I actually did a few takes at my gym + boxing gym but the audio just wasn’t good enough, I needed a quieter place and my garage is the only thing I could come up with. I’ll give it another shot at the weight room for the next one. Thanks for the invite! If I were in the area I’d take you up on that for sure.

By: David B.

David B. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:22:27 +0000

Often the trainer I used to work with would make the newer boxers hold an orange under the chin during workouts and light sparing to keep us conscious of keeping our chin down.

By: Jose

Jose — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:19:01 +0000

Great video straight and too the point. I teach the same fundamentals on day one to all my introductory clients and hammer them in every class I coach.

My only complaint you shot this video in you garage! Great passion for the sport. Thanks for doing it. Butt get out to the gym for the next installment where ever you train would probably love the exposure. I think boxing fundamentals is so important I’m giving you an invite. IF you’re in the VA Beach area feel free to step in and shoot the next installment at HTC.