BALANCE, FOOTWORK and MOVEMENT

A QUESTION OF BALANCE: by brian zelley

BALANCE is the first word in effective punching skills, and
balance is necessary for effective footwork and movement.
So why do so many amateur boxers have poor
footwork, movement and balance?

Some of the issues:

.Moving out of range,
.rushing forward, and
.not co-ordinating the movement of the feet
with the movement of the punches.

Moving Out Of Range

.there is nothing wrong with moving out of range
of the target from time-to-time, but excessive
movement and distance away from an opponent
minimizes the effectiveness and the ability
to score counter-punches or take advantage of
an opponents error in stance, style or execution
of punches. Also, it is a waste of valuable energy.

Rushing Forward

Often we see boxers rush towards the opponent without
thinking about the risks of  rushing into a left hook or 
a right cross.  And, that could spell real trouble if you 
catch a heavy shot while moving into it.

One of the best for moving forward after an opponent was
the great JOE LOUIS.  But, Joe did not rush towards his
opponents, instead he stalked them like a cat, measured
the distance and then unloaded the fire power with very
effective results.  

At the beginning of each round, both boxers will be or should be
moving towards each other.  The key risk factor, for boxers at the
beginning of a round is for the opponent to move quickly within
striking distance and fire a power left hook or right cross.  Sometimes,
this strategy by the offensive boxer will be very effective and if the blow
lands, it could be a game changer.  So, the important lesson is to be aware
of the opening blitz by a potential opponent at the beginning of a round.  
Sometimes this strategy may be used in the final round by a boxer that
appears to be on the losing end of the judges' scorecards after two rounds.
That type of strategy is the one of desperation, but for the opponent that
thinks he has it in the bag can sometimes have a rude awakening as to
the importance of being a bit cautious at the start of any round.