Footwork: Moving out of the line of attackFiled Under: Instruction
The last few sessions at the University we’ve been drilling footwork. Not only is footwork one of the most essential tools in achieving the prime directive, we’ve seen some great fights that have been won by superior footwork (Ex: BJ Penn vs Frankie Edgar 2). One of my favorite drills goes something like this:
- Execute a three-punch combo, closing the gap with shuffle footwork
- Immediately step back out at angle, anticipating counter attacks and defensive readjustments
- Burst into opponent with a two-hit combo
The first set of strikes isn’t necessarily to hit a home-run – it’s to close the gap and set up the KO punches. If they land and do damage, great; but you want to put your fists in their face, disguising your encroachment towards a better positional advantage. You cut away with a burst step, 30-45 degrees to the side, preferably away from their power hand. Your opponent will likely try to square back up to you or throw counter punches, but you’ll be to their side (looking into their ear) beating them to the punch.
I haven’t really standardized what I call this combo – “3 cut 2”, “five hit combo”, “3 slip angle counter”, “1-2-3, 1-2”. What would you call it?
Anyway, to illustrate a bit more about why cutting out of the line of attack is so important, I appeal to someone far greater than I to show us: Fedor.
One more vid, from our local taking it to the MMAT guys (Brandon Kiser) . It plays off that theme – distracting your opponent with a punch to set up your footwork … and that footwork enables a hard hitting blow.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Tags: Fedor, footwork, line of attack, MMA
- Permalink
- BartB
- 5 Sep 2010 1:47 AM
- Comments (6)
September 5th, 2010 at 2:00 am
[...] Footwork: Moving out of the line of attack This Article comes from SLC MMA To see the full original article click here [...]
September 9th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Really interesting post, will try this the next time I’m sparring. thanks, top site!
September 11th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Nice move. I’m looking at it more closely, maybe it does have a lot of potential for more combinations. Would rather prefer if you had a man as a sparring partner so I can clearly see the where your shots hit the body.
September 14th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Like Fedor’s move to outside. When is he coming to Sydney for a seminar?
September 15th, 2010 at 10:28 am
What an interesting site!
I can see the science behind the moves.
I’ve seen boxing matches and wondered about the training involved. Your video demonstration of the technique of distraction to get them to drop their hands was excellent.
I think my 4 nephews will like your site.
Thanks
September 19th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Definitely some useful techniques!!