Avoid Getting Hit with this Footwork Technique.
We use circle strafing, or circle footwork, to keep and control our distance from our opponent. We can use it to defend after an attack, and develop angles for attacking.
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Remember a moving target is harder to hit.
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This is how I teach and drill this style of footwork:
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Imagine you’re in a ring with your back up against the ropes. Your focal point should stay in the center of the ring. It helps if you can put an object there to keep you eye on.
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We’ll start in our fight stance, hands up, chin down, and squared up to our opponent. We’ll start circling to the right, stepping your right foot out first, and skipping the edges of the corner.
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When you’re ready, switch to your left, making sure your left foot leads.
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All the fundamentals of the basic footwork still apply. Feet hips distance apart. Stay light on the balls of your feet and when you move, you’ll want to be aware of not getting pushed in the corner, hence circling your opponent.
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To put this into practice, set a timer for a 3-min round, and start moving in a full-circle, switching directions after each lap.
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When you’re comfortable with the movement, switch directions every half-circle, and then switch directions to even quicker intervals.
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Remember when you step, to always lead with the direction you’re moving. And don’t letting your feet get too wide or too narrow.
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Incorporate this drill regularly to your warm-up to improve your stamina, and footwork fundamentals.