Misconception Of Fighting On The Outside

Fighting outside or outboxing is not a particular tactic in the game of boxing. Most boxers think that fighting on the outside stands for a long-range flight. Practicing this long-range fight idea in the ring by moving backward or staying at a far end is even the worst mistake. By staying at the farthest end, you lose up free space and get hit along the ring ropes.

Why stepping backwards is Problematic?

The temptation of escaping the punch by backstep

While in a match every boxer instinctively moves backward in order to get free from the vicinity of the rival’s attacks. They feel it easy and simple to respond to the incoming blows and hits. Take a step back and you are out of the danger zone and indeed any punch can be avoided easily by moving backward. It is reliable than blocking, rolling, feinting, jabbing, or ducking. But considering the scenario, after you step back your opponent would just take a step forward and you are back to the same position. Now you are even more stranded as you do not have space for further backsteps. Consider yourself standing in the middle of the ring. Upon the first punch from the opponent, you take a step backward, and the second step towards the back puts you at the end of the ring.

How to escape the opponent’s range without stepping backward?

The two best methods to escape or face the rival’s attack are;

1. Speedy footwork

2. Sideways movement

Speedy footwork

Agility and super athletic capabilities enable you to move your foot at a great speed to escape the incoming blows.

Disadvantages

• You will run out of your energy easily.

• Fast footwork depends upon many things like depending on you facing a slow rival. You must have enormous endurance.

Move around the rival

Circling the opponent is better than fast footwork. Make lateral movements either to the right or the left

Advantages of lateral movement

• Circling around the rival in any direction, wouldn’t occupy your free space. You can move around easily and can step backward.

• Restrict your opponent to take steps further. Hit him back if he tries to get out of your range.

• Sideways movements provide you an opportunity to easily escape the counterattacks. Moreover, it is hard for the opponent to launch a hit on a mobile target.

Ways to move laterally

Facing the opponent and moving laterally around him can be done in two ways. Either move away and out of the reach of the rival. Or circle in close proximity. Both situations have their specs. Like circling more towards the outer zone, puts pressure on the opponent. To him, you would seem taller, threatening, tricky, aggressive, and powerful. Some boxers move sideways by moving their whole body and swirl to either side. It is one of the ways to turn laterally from the opponent. it keeps your rival in front and you are able to counter with good punches. Another way is to swirl your body completely along the side and then take back steps. It is like you are jogging in a circular motion while taking a step back. Launch a jab while you do it. If the enemy escapes from your jab, just grip your feet and fire your right hand and you will easily catch your enemy.

How to adjust your angle while circling?

While performing this slick bouncing technique you can change your body angle as well. As you swirl laterally turn nearly southpaw for a moment and then step back. It will generate a rhythm with you jogging backward to your left and moving forward to your right side and vice versa. You can create a rhythm by adding the regular traditional sideways movement.

How to maintain your Body Position in lateral movement?

Usually, fighters keep their body in defensive modes when they are moving laterally. They keep their spine straight and their head and chin position exposed in the air which makes them vulnerable to left or right uppercuts. Such boxers do this to keep themselves away at the farthest end. It is advised to keep your body crouched and your head slightly down. While you are in rhythmic sideways movement drop your head a bit down rather than popping it up.

Body Hunch Techniques

• The two-way Adjustment

It is an easy technique that can be adopted by newbies as well in pro matches. There are two kinds of two direction adjustments

1. Right to Left OR Left to Right (RL/LR):

Moving to the right first then to the left or vice versa. This technique is best for newbies or athletic figures. It requires a lot of speed and strain to the muscle to swirl your path out of the tough spots.

2. Right to Right OR Left to Left (RR/LL):

Moving to the right first, then again to the right. Vice versa on the left side. This technique works best for slick professional boxers. it requires less effort and allows you to escape any situation easily.

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Conclusion

Fighting outside just means keeping your body in motion because as long as you keep moving you will find possibilities to escape the tough spots. If you are unable to move back then you can move laterally. Moving in a circular motion and sideways, allows you to be in a position where you can be mobile anytime. On the other hand, fighting inside is equivalent to standing still without any motion. You just have to remember to avoid the backsteps in boxing outside. While you are shadowboxing or punching against the heavy bag do not step back rather moves diagonally. Your aim should be that, any movement you make should give you an option to move forward for another move.

 

Keynote: Outside boxing is a technique to fight in a long range but this does not imply that a boxer should move backward to avoid his opponent. The best way is to move sideways and take a step back if necessary so that you can be in a position to escape the rival’s attacks.

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