by Shane Tucker

Created on: June 24, 2009

When someone mentions boxing, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most people would say "punching", because that is what the sweet science is all about; the art of throwing punches. Not many people would say "feet", but the importance of good footwork is just as important as learning how to throw a right cross or an uppercut. If not for proper footwork, boxers would not be able to generate much power on their punches, they would lack the movement that makes them a harder target to hit, and they would probably find it hard to land any punches because they would not be getting into an advantageous position.

When a boxer throws a punch, the power does not come from the arms. Rather, it is the setting of the feet to maintain balance in order to push through with the legs and hips that generates the majority of the power. Fighters have to learn the proper way to shift stances in order to throw their punches. Whether it is the slight forward and outward step executed during a right cross, or the pivot on the ball of the foot to launch a proper hook, the feet are the foundation for all strikes. If a fighter has a poor foundation, the structure and effect of his or her punches will be of poor quality also. There are proper foot placements for every punch, and neglecting these can be the difference in a glancing hit, or a one-shot knockout.

Impeccable footwork also allows fighters to be very elusive, causing them to take less damage during a fight. One only needs to watch a Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard., or Floyd Mayweather bout to observe the advantages of having excellent movement through footwork. If an opponent can't catch you, they can't hit you. The constant movement does not allow an opponent to set up for a power shot. This means that there is very little chance they will land a knockout blow.

Another advantage of good footwork is that it will allow a boxer to move into a position in which he or she can land punches, while keeping the opponent somewhat off balance and having to readjust their stance. Stepping off at angles to elude or to close the distance will in effect take one side of the opponent's offense away. If a fighter can step at an angle to one side of their opponent, it becomes very difficult for that opponent to land a punch with the hand farthest away. It also allows a fighter to move in and smother the opponent's long range shots, at which point infighting can be used.

One of the best examples of boxers with outstanding footwork was Roy Jones, Jr. He was able to land flurries of punches from the wildest angles and get away unscathed. Jones was amazing in his ability to get into position in a split-second and fire off a 5 punch combination of power shots. The reason he was able to do this is because he had lightening fast feet that made his opponents look as if they were in slow-motion. He was so fast with his attacks, by the time a fighter readjusted to his angles they were eating punches and usually floored.

So, the next time you are watching a boxing match, understand that the incessant movement and shuffling side to side, forward and back, and angling right and left are all serving a purpose in the bout. Without it, a fighter is just a stationary target with no force behind their strikes. The fighter with the best footwork will more often than not be the victor.

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