Learn How to Box: The Basics

this was a great help i learned some new stuff that i didn't know

just read article on stance. shouldn't it be the toes of the back foot in line with heel of front foot. though it says heel of back foot in line with toe of front foot. this seems and feels very unusual? which is right?

Nope, what is written is correct. Picture it a different way. Draw a straight line on the floor or put down a piece of masking tape. Turn your feet 45 degree to the line and put your big toe of the front foot (left foot) on the line. Put the heel of your right foot on the line (again, the feet are at 45 degrees to the line). This gives you a solid base. Your feet are slightly apart whereas what you describe would put your feet in a straight line more or less and incredibly unstable.

i just love the info u put on here it has thought me so much. its great love it

In the video, it does not appear as if the heel of the back foot is in line with the toes of the front foot. But, maybe i could just be wrong. Anyways, maybe this could be cleared up for me.

dis is a grt site i got to learn a lot thnx

i learnt a lot here thanks, cant wait to be able to try it out!

nice article I loved it. well anyway im new and i just wanted to say hi to everyone! :D

So far I have accessed about 20% of the contents available on this site. Even though that leaves a lot more to view I do feel confident in making a statement. I am highly impressed with the information and with the teaching style presented to the beginning boxer. I have everything to learn and I am fortunate that I came to this site first to learn the correct way before I develop bad habits. Many thanks, Steve

hey, you know with the stance, does it have to be your left foot that is forward. or just what you prefer? what do you suggest?

thanks for the site, it is full of info introducing me to boxing basics. I am taking my first class this coming thursday and I am excited about. I have wanted to try it for so long that finally i am going to. Yeah!!! for me that is... but I wanted to say thanks for the time you took developing it as it is helping me to learn more then what I have seen. Carie

well i saw this video a lot of times and i have bad footwork and i am trying to keep my face intacteed so wat should i pratice

good stuff. new things.. i like the practical drills of dancing with the bag

thanks i took out two mexicans thanks to your tips, it was great

Thanks for the tip, now I can get rid of my two left feet Take the Walk

Love the site. I am learning a lot and my instructor has noticed improvement. I am recommending this site to the others in my gym. Thanks again! Loyal Reader 88

This Website Is Very Good :) It Helped Me Alot Because There Are No Boxing Classes Anywhere Thanks A Lot :) X

I am a little confused about exactly where the left fist should be held. Some instructors teach to have it six inches in front of the face at eye level. Does it belong on the side of the face under the left eye or in front of the face? Could somebody make this clear.

Hey watching this video I can't help but notice those nice mats you have in your home gym. I am trying to start my own home gym and would like to get mats. The floor in my garage like most is concrete, I was wondering if you have an under layer of mats in your home gym or just one layer of puzzle mats. I was also wondering how big your mat area is and how much it costs. Very cool you can work out at home, I can't wait to workout in my spare time at home. I also do grappling, I'm not sure if you have any advice on mats for that, but I will but any piece of knowledge is very much appreciated! This is a great site, thank you!

Hi again,
As with footwork further you have about one inch between the canvas, and your feet to play. Learning footwork should proceed from slow to quick. Be ware to keep your point of weight about 3 inches from your front leg. In addition your leg should be on the level of your shoulders, and no bended much. In the basic position, lift your heels loose from the canvas or floor, and punch during lifting. Simultaneously, lean forward slightly. The back to the basic position. For example, in punching a jab you have to exert with your feet and lean forward. Your knuckles should be in 11A.M. -5P.M. in hitting. A punch is to include in speed, and pace. That is why it is essential to speed up punches with your body. The exertion is an automatic part of skillful boxing. As to training of footwork in gym series of repetitions about 5-10, and 2-3 min interval are recommendable. Start slowly for example with sandbag. A good way is to start from the left straight or right depending on handedness. How does it go? Take the basic position in a right distance from the sand bag, exert from heels, and lean forward and sideward to hit an " opponent" to jaw below or above his straight. Maybe, you'll notice what is the difference between hitting with feet than rotate from hip, plainly. Using your feet consumes less oxygen than tediously rotating your body continuously. Dove tail the punch into one movement along time. Best, Jr Junior

Hi again,
One good drill to understand the meaning of the footwork is following. Stand in the basic position and remember not to push your back foot over the level of the shoulder. Keep your jaw down. Let your hands hang on the sides, freely. Be relaxed. Exert with both feet, and rotate your body slightly right. Then back to the basic position. Don't punch until you feel your body weight to follow your movement. The drill can be done , and is recommendable to perform with a trainer. For example, a trainer punches a left straight from slow to quick. You exert your feet when you see the straight comes. The trainer's left straight should go by your left ear(handedness). The same drill can be done against the right straight but then you turn your body to the left , a little bit. Straights win hooks. The previous is a start to parry and punch,simultaneously. When you can move your body weight for speed and pace then join the left and right straight with the weight moving. When you join the straights with the body movement, there are some things to remember. Twist your arm in a way your knuckles are even with the hit surface, or hitting hard they are 11-to 5, clockwise. The punch starts from the feet, the body speeds the punch, and the arm gives merciful sand of dream. In future, I'll deal with how to footwork in motion, and stepping. All the best, Jr Junior.

Hi again,
Nowadays boxers are in shape, and there is no sense to stay too long in situations. Complex combinations of punches are over. Footwork aims to control those situations of short duration, and it prepares defenses to convert into offenses. Before, you continue to punch in motion; you have good to take interest in Walk Boxing which has remained unnoticed, almost. Just go for a walk in fresh air. Walk as you do normally, about 2 miles to warm up. Thereafter, shorten your steps, take the basic position during walking (JAW DOWN). Depending on the handedness, when your front foot hits the ground, hit the left straight leaning forward, and turning your body to the right, somewhat. Continue walking. After some time, hit the right straight turning left, somewhat (JAW DOWN). As with the hooks parry the left hook outside the opponent's left arm, and the right hook correspondingly. However, you have to move away from your basic position. You have take advantage from your bending knees in parrying. In another way, one might think you have not a chance to punch during the parry of the hooks. When you are parrying, you have an opportunity to use the left or the right uppercuts depending on which side you are parrying. The footwork with the hooks is as follows: during parrying bend your knees a little bit, step outwards shortly holding your hand in an uppercut position, and punch upwards towards the jaw. During parrying there remains space between the hands of the" opponent". In the walk boxing, stop, put your feet even, and as if parry the hooks. If you have a trainer or a buddy. Take speed gloves. The "opponent" puts the right hand against his left cheek, and you walk forwards and back wards punching as in the walk boxing. In the hook case, the "opponent puts the speed glove in the uppercut position under his cheek when you try to parry and punch the hooks (JAW DOWN). Go from slow to quick. A good way to learn during the walk boxing is to count when you shorten your steps. For example, one, two, punch or two, one, punch depending on which foot you were on. Be patient, it'll take some time until you coordinate your coordination. Next time, I''ll deal with the question why 90 degrees is important in footwork. Have a great Spring, Jr Junior.

Hi anew,
Well, somebody asked where the left hand should be in the basic position. There are various schools of thought. it is somewhat dependent on how much you are ready to open your punch-surface. On the other hand, the position is dependent on either you are willing to show to your opponent working with the left or not. One thing is sure, it is not wise to hand your left in front of your body because the opponent sees it coming , easily. One thing is rather clear; it is profitable to work with the left in such a way the opponent is not able to see it coming. It means punching straightforward to the eyes of the opponent because it is easier to perceive movements in your border-areas of vision field. So working in the central areas of vision is important to make it difficult for your opponent to parry. Therefore, the name of the line boxing. A rule of thumb is your knuckles should be on the level of your eyes, your surface of the fingers show from 11 AM. to 5 PM., clockwise. Your elbow is from 1PM. to 7 PM. The position offers some advantages. You are able to punch jabs, and straights from the same position. The opponent has difficulties to see what comes. The cheek is covered. You can block the left and right straights by you body. However, it doesn't happen without a good footwork, and holding JAW DOWN.
If you already have tried the Walk Boxing then you can join the backward walking, and punching. You can use various combinations such as the left foot back, and the left straight. The right foot back, and the left straight... Stick with the straights until you learn to hold your elbow high in the hooks. earlier I mentioned that 90 degrees is important in the footwork. How is that? The foot work begins from the basic position where the front leg, and the back leg bend somewhat. Imagine a triangle on the floor if you have chalk draw it. The sides of the triangle are not allowed to exceed the width of your shoulders. Put your legs on tops of the triangle, and move them between the tops by turns. Stay in the basic position (JAW DOWN), AND TOPMOST DON'T PUT YOU LEGS TOGETHER EVER. You can use the right triangle were is the 90 degree angle. Put you legs on the sides of the 90 degree sides, draw your front leg along the side towards the 90 degree top, and AT ONCE THE BACK LEG along the other side of the 90 degree side. Why is that? That is why when you are receiving, and not giving you have to slide from under away. It takes place with the 90 degree foot work such as in the corner situations. I hope, it became clear. Next time, I'll join the foot work with some elementary punches for parry and punch according to the principle. First defense in order then changing the defense into the offense with feet. Have a Great spring, Jr Junior.

Footwork is something that comes very natural to most people I think, but when I was trying to teach someone some basics I couldn't really remember all of the "rules". I just know naturally what feels right, but watching this video again makes everything black and white. And now my memory is refreshed and I know what I need to work on. Thank you very much, great video!

>=(

Hi again,
If somebody has tried to move his/her feet between the tops of the triangle, Congratulations. It is difficult because you have to slide the feet along the sides of the triangle in SMALL STEPS. Now it is time to dovetail the left straight with footwork. You know how it takes place in the basic position but it may not clear how it goes in motion. Learning is best with a trainer who punches the left straight, too. First, take a small step back with your front foot. Move your back leg to one side with a small step into position where your foot position changes to the opposite handedness. Your feet should be about in the same position as the left handed boxer(if you are right handed). Simultaneously, your body weight moves on the foot on the side. Thereafter, take a small step with your lead foot forward, and punch at the same time. Your lead foot is to be about 5-10 inches to the east from its original position. It is important that you exert after the weight transfer with both feet because of getting speed and pace for the left straight. Remember to lean forward, and downward when punching the straight (JAW DOWN). Another way to do the same is a small step with both feet at the same time in the rotating direction. The rotation takes place clockwise if the opponent is left handed, and counter clockwise if right handed. In the latter case also you have to move your body weight on the back foot, and exert forwards with both feet. This time you are about 1 feet counter clockwise from your original position. The trainer punches the basic left straight because it is good for to learn the changes in your position. Along time you will be able to punch in any intermediary phases in foot work but take care your both feet are to be on canvas firmly because of balance. Try to construct the foot work for the right straight in motion. Next time the turn is to dovetail the basic hooks with foot work, and the right straight. Have a great summer, Jr Junior

Doesn't Tito Trindad have a akward stance. Is it effective

I have a quik question. My boxing coach of many years experience, insists i dont slide my back foot when i move forward. what do you think. Ive been boxing now for only 1 year or so.

It might make you unbalance, i'm not really sure i'm just guessing

Hi,
I have been as a "snowman" because my computer crashed. Last time I taught two ways of punching the left straight hard. Against expectations the right straight is easier in motion. I hope you have a trainer or a buddy who has boxed longer. The punch begins from the basic position. Depending on the handedness the front leg has an important task. Now, take a small step to the direction at 11 am. Think you are standing on a clock. In the left handed case, the direction is 1 pm. When your front leg touches the canvass or the floor exert with both feet, and lean forward and a little bit down. Let the right straight to speak to the head. The trainer or your buddy punches the right(left) straight. His fist should bypass your the right (left) cheek. Don't parry much because it makes counter punching difficult. Every punch has a counter punch. As with the foot work with hooks much depends on which of the hooks are used. In the place of the basic hooks, the most important thing is the hold the elbow high. From the basic position you have to move your feet in parallel, move below the hands of the opponent. Thereafter, you take a small step to the left or to the right, and move your upper body outside the opponent's hands exerting with both feet. Pairwise, the trainer punches the left straight. You move your back leg on the same level as the fore one. After that you bow a little and punch the speed glove on the left cheek of the trainer. The same can be done as a mirror image with the left hook, and the counter right straight. First and foremost, try to dovetail your feet, your body movement, and the hand in one unified motion. Remember, it is a fact those who parry, and punch simultaneously, and know the active and passive rest are the winners. Next time, I'll teach: How defense is modified into offense with feet. Have a further great summer,and fair play. Jr Junior

Hi again,
Somebody asked: Why don't slide the back foot when moving forward? One of the reasons is that you have to be ready to punch. So there remains no possibilities to exert when punching rather with both feet. When you move forwards the basic slide is as following. You exert with the back foot in such a way your heel rises from the floor. Simultaneously, you slide your fore foot forward. After that you slide your back foot forward. It is the sole of foot which slides. The main reason for that kind of footwork is: it is easier to change the direction of motion than stop and change the direction. It is hopeful that both feet are on the floor, firmly when punching. In addition, it is quicker. At the bottom, you have to be ready to move any direction.
As with the change from defense to offense with feet one of the ways is. If your opponent punches the left straight, move your fore foot backward, straightly in such a way that it is behind your back foot. Step forward obliquely with your back foot, exert, and punch the left straight to the temporal. Don't put the feet together. The motion is such you should be outside the opponents left straight when you counter punch.The balance of the punch comes from the forward motion, and the left handed foot position. Essential is, in the previous way you are able to continue backward, forward, or to the one side. In an exercise, your "opponent" punches the left straight in the basic motion forward with the speed glove on his left cheek. If the exercise feels difficult in motion you can begin at the place. Jaw down. Continues... Best Regards, Jr Junior

hay thanks for the answers. I appreciate them.
Ive spoken to my coach and now have a clearer understanding of my footwork. It has helped heaps. He was trying to say not to slide with alot of wieght on the back foot. But have a more flowing motion. Kinda what you were saying (so your ready for a variety of things and able to land harder punches)

Once again thanks

Hi,
There seems to be some ambiguity about the basic footwork. Therefore I repeat it once more. Several ways exist how you keep your balance. What I prefer is. Imagine you are standing on a clock. If you are right handed then your forefoot and back foot should point to the same direction or 1.00 PM. If you draw a line from the top of your big toe of the front foot to the top of the big toe of the back foot then the line point to the 11.00AM. You can keep the soles forwards if it is suitable to you and corresponds you structure. The previous position, however, offers some advantages. When you punch the twist movement comes with automatically. The basic footwork begins when you have both heels on the floor. First, you exert with the back foot, the heel lift upwards about an inch and simultaneously slide the fore foot forwards. It is important that you lift your fore foot just a little above the floor. After the movement you are back on the start position, then again the same movement. When you move backwards then you exert with the front foot lifting the heel somewhat from the floor, and slide the back foot the sole of the foot on the floor. When you progress you can try to change the direction of the movement but after that the basic movement is almost automatic.
As with the the former parry and punch the left side was dealt. However, there is sequel to the counter punching. When your left straight hits the temporal you can turn a little bit on your back foot, and punch the right straight. It is allowed to punch to the ear. Sometimes one hears that no outcomes are obtained from the sides. Rubbish. A human head behaves in a the same way from whichever direction it is punched. Probably, the most important thing is to be relaxed, Otherwise, the accuracy of the punches suffers. The left side is about OK. How about the right side?
It is simpler, again. What you are recommended to do is. When your opponent punches the right straight you take a longer step in the direction 11.00AM., and simultaneously aim the right temporal with your right straight. It is better to be outside your opponent's right straight. After that you can turn on your fore foot, and punch the left straight to the temporal. Remember to exert, and to lift the heel of your fore foot. Your "opponent" holds the speed glove on his right cheek, and punches the right straight. Next time I examine a situation when you are under"bombardment". There are ways to counter boxing. Best Regards, Jr Junior.

Hi again, This time the question is about to manage the situation when your opponent applies series of straights. Hooks will be dealt in future. A common error is not to counter punch, and try to draw from the situation. If you want out of the situation then following measures can be useful. You have decide very quickly to which side you are going to parry. The straights can be punched up, and down in turn. So it is important that your opponent doesn't reach you. The first phase is to bow below the hands of the opponent, and at the same time draw the fore foot backward by your back foot into the position where the sole of the foot points to 9 AM. At the same time, the back foot slides forwards, and the end position is such as the both soles of the feet point into the same direction. Probably, you have to rotate your body somewhat, simultaneously. So that you can defend yourself when your stomach points to the direction of the opponent's shoulder. Thereafter, you can loose from the situation with a few back steps. The previous concerns parrying to the left from the opponent. To parry to the right, you are to draw your back foot by your for foot. Simultaneously turning, and bowing below the hands of the opponent. After that you draw your fore foot beside the back foot. The end position is OK when the soles of the feet point to 3 PM. This time your stomach points straightforward the right shoulder of your opponent. A few back steps are OK. Then there is the hard way punching back. Before you can use the counter punches you have to learn sway your body because the power needed is greater than slipping to a side. This time you slide the fore foot directly on the same level as the back foot or a little by. Then you exert with both feet or at least more the foot you drew backwards. At the same time you lean forward on one side and punch the left straight below the left straight of the opponent to the top of the jaw. After that you slide your right foot backward, exert with feet or at least with the right foot somewhat more. At the same time you lean forward on one side, and punch the right straight below the right straight of the opponent. So there develops a series of the steps, and the straights you can use. That is why the backward walk boxing is important to find rhythm of the punches. If the results of the counter punching is weak you can dovetail the slipping from under measures. The best counter punching I saw last was that of Joe Carcia. He knew how to do it. The counter punching continues but not too much stuff for learning. Have a great ending summer, Jr Junior.

I really want to start and learn how to box...but i can't cause there are no trainers or anything at all to help. I was wondering.....i have bad vision and have to wear glasses....i have contacts but i want to know what will work best. Please help me...i am very commited, aggressive, and self-motivated...i'm not afraid of getting the crap knocked out of me or throwing some powerful punches into a persons face

I am a kickboxing instructor. Can anyone recommend a few good footwork drills that can also be incorporated into a classroom setting, or just be done at home for practice?

Hi again, There is a third way of the counter punching. It is for those who are advanced. This time you have to "go in" between the arms of the opponent. Well, boxing is fun but there is the opponent? It is important that you find time to punch as first. First, you move your feet even, quickly. After that you exert with both feet, and punch the left straight, the right strait in combination, quickly or vice versa. Thereafter you "dive" and parry to either side as told, previously. Earlier, I mentioned the importance of the sway of your body (upper body). Here you have simple drills for the sway. Take the basic position, your trainer or buddy takes, too. Your "opponent" punches the left straight. You lean forwards, and sideways under the left straight, and return to the basic position. So you make an arc below the left straight. Depending from which side you rotate you upper body you are to come out from the other side. When you have come out then you punch the left straight to the speed glove before the head. You can also exercise the sway alone making ellipses in the lower position than usually from the knees. However, you are not to bend your knees too much. Otherwise, the punch remains slow. The same sway can be done with the right straight from either side, from outside in or inside out, and then the right straight to the speed glove. It is possible to punch after the sway crosswise but first you are to able to punch as above. Proceed from slow to quick movements. Continues... Have a great autumn, Jr Junior Hve a great autmn

Hi again, This time, I deal with shift steps which are essential to hard punching. If you have to retreat don't remain to wait any showers of punches. Move your front foot backwards, and back foot forwards as quickly as you can. When your front foot hits canvass in the back position then exert, and punch the left or right straight. Thereafter, change the back foot forwards, and the front foot backwards, and punch the left or the right straight. It is important that you learn to move SIDEWAYS making the shift steps because moving sideways is difficult to an opponent.For now, I leave the foot work because it is time to move punching. A thing I have observed in junior training is the matter that the juniors are not taught to hit the last punch of a combination hard. For example, the combination of the right straight, the left upper cut, and the left hook remains torso because the feet, and the body are not with the last punch. If you want to punch hard the left hook in the combination then you have to drop down a little bit of the feet, sway your upper body outwards, exert with the feet,and twist the whole body simultaneously with the elbow high. If the upper cut is the last punch then it is good to drop down a little bit with feet, exert with the front foot, lifting up your whole body to have speed, and pace. Your front hand should be fast with your body, and your shoulder should point to the jaw of the opponent. In addition you knuckles are to point straight upwards. Furthermore, there is a possibility that you have to take a small quick step backwards. If the last punch is the right straight then it is important that you exert with both feet on the canvass, and thereafter slide away from the situation. Finally yet importantly, if you have an opportunity to become acquainted with a ring then shut your eyes, and try to move around the ring to know it, continues..., Have a Great Autumn Further, Jr junior.