There are many elements that make up a well rounded MMA fighter such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Judo, wrestling, and Jiu-Jitsu. Most fighters will specialize in one area and are decent in the rest. Over the past few years MMA fighters have increased their stand up striking and takedown defense to a level that many fights never hit the ground and those that do end up on the ground are not there for long. Fighters that once relied on their submission skills to end the fight are now spending more time boxing and wrestling. Fundamental boxing movement and footwork along with wrestling takedown defense are seen in every high level current MMA fight. A great example of effective boxing footwork, although not an MMA fight, was the Mayweather Vs. Canelo boxing match. After watching the fight this weekend all i could think about was getting to the gym to hitting pads and drill footwork. If you have not had a chance take the time to watch this fight. Pay close attention to the footwork that Mayweather uses to create openings and avoid getting hit. Mayweather is always moving. He is never in the spot long enough for Canelo to get off a single successful combo. The timing of Mayweathers counter punches are so precise that they beat Canelo’s hands returning to his face after throwing a punch. Mayweather made Canelo look like he just started boxing yesterday, which is crazy because Canelo is an amazing boxer. Here are several drills you can do to improve your boxing footwork: 1. Half step boxing footwork exercises. You are not taking big full steps towards your opponent because this will leave you off balance to defend yourself. Keep your elbows tucked near your hips and your chin tucked down. You will be making short movements with your legs, so your feet should be shoulder width apart. Only one foot should be off the ground, almost as if you were sliding the tips of your toes forward, and make it a slight movement. Whether youre moving forward, backwards or side to side, every move should be done in a short step. With one foot leading the way the other should closely follow. When done properly you use less energy that is spent chasing or retreating from an opponent. 2. Bob and weave boxing footwork exercises. Considering that you understand the concept of the half step technique, now its time corporate that boxing exercise with bobbing and weaving. Never leave your head in the same position. With every half step you take, dip down with only your knees, so that your head is at the opponents stomach. If you are stationary, you want to keep moving side to side while dipping at the knees. Dont dip down at the waist, so that it appears you are looking down to the floor. This will lead you to uppercuts. 3. Circle boxing footwork exercises. You will need to face forward at all times; dont turn while moving side to side or backwards. This exercise is great inside the ring. You will again implement the slide, dip and drag technique. With your back against the ropes begin to step to the end of the ring. At this point you can move at either side, but always face forward. Then move backwards to the other end of the ring. This exercise will have you circling the ring. These are just a few but there are many more. We all get caught up learning the newest most popular moves but at the end of the day solid fundamentals will usually win out. -- Robert Richardson (AKA Bobby Rich)
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:54:08 +0000
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