If you think boxing is all about the punches, you’re wrong. Sure, they’re a pretty necessary part of it, but you’re nowhere without good footwork. Footwork is the foundation of boxing: when Ali talked about floating like a butterfly, this is what he meant. Good footwork can be the decisive factor in whether you win a match, so you have to have your basics right. Try out these boxing footwork tips and techniques to build up your skills and dance around the ring like a pro.

Jump rope

Jump rope isn’t just a starter exercise: it has so much more to it. Once you get the basics down, flitting your feet back and forth effortlessly becomes second nature. This makes your mind-body connection stronger, because your feet are programmed to move a certain way without you thinking. Footwork techniques are similar to this, and that’s why skipping is understood to be the choice conditioning exercise for most boxers. Most boxers use the ‘boxer skip’ method to jump rope In order to improve footwork. As you progress with the rope, you can do more complicated multi-directional skipping which will aid you in moving around the ring.

Box Jumps

Boxing is all about speed and force, so it makes sense that plyometric exercises are necessary to excel in the ring. Plyometrics contribute to what is known as ‘explosiveness’, and the best example for this is the box jump. The box jump gives you the leg strength you need to bounce easily between offense and defense. It’s an easily customisable exercise as well: simply increase the speed, number of jumps, or height of the boxes to change it up completely according to your skill level. Try single-leg jumps or marching jumps when you master the basic form.

Research & Analysis

This is a case of watching the greats and watching yourself: you need to look into what works and what doesn’t to determine the optimum footwork for you. Throw on some footage of the boxer you want to emulate in order to see their execution and personal technique, and then apply it to your own practice. It’ll make a world of different to your footwork and in your confidence.

Shadow Boxing

Shadow boxing isn’t just a way to get your heart pumping pre-training. This convenient training style allows you to start practice anywhere: you don’t need a gym, just a mirror. Shadow boxing helps you perfect your technique by constantly repeating moves as you would in the ring. The benefit of the mirror is that you’re watching yourself. Any flaws will become apparent, and it’ll be much easier to pinpoint and correct where to improve your technique. Try a shadow boxing routine that’s based around footwork for best results.

Use a Partner

Unless you have some resistance happening, it can be difficult to see how your moves will really measure up in a fight. This is where partner training comes in. If you can get a partner to spar with you, you can have a practical experience rather than just training. With a partner, it’s a case of learning from your mistakes: see what doesn’t benefit you or work against them to know what will work in the ring.

Perfect Your Stance

If you’re talking about technique, you can’t underestimate the importance of your stance. This is foundational for good footwork: no number of drills will make up for imperfect posture. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart; just narrow enough to keep you balanced and your range of motion in check, but wide enough for stability. Make sure your weight rests on the balls of your feet. This keeps you at the ready and positioned for a fast attack. Traditionally, a boxer keeps shifting weight from left to right foot to distribute it and keep the body moving. Whatever you do, don’t use your heels to go back and forth.

Get the Right Shoes

While this isn’t a technique, it’s still very important. No one wants to lose a match based on something as simple as shoes. With boxing shoes, it’s a good idea to invest in a sturdy pair that are cushioned enough for comfort but light and pliable enough for speed. Boxing shoes are necessary to keep your grip and prevents slipping while giving you the flexibility you need for easy movement. These boxing shoes hit the nail on the head in terms of features and give you what you need to keep your footwork solid.

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