One of the greatest challenges when somebody is trying to learn how to box is the process of instilling in them the principle of understanding range. A boxer’s perception of where they are in relation to their opponent is as important a factor in their boxing style as any other, including punch power or defensive prowess. Now, there has since time began been the debate around whether something can be taught, or whether something comes naturally and cannot be taught as such. In boxing, this debate is regularly associated with the question of a fighter possessing knockout power. The same question could reasonably be asked about range.

Now, there is no doubt whatsoever that a boxer will develop their ‘feel’ for range as they gain experience. Rounds of sparring and fights are key in this sense, as are rounds on the pads with a coach. The question is whether there is anything else that we can build into our training that will enhance and accelerate our feel for range. Well, believe it or not, a variation on the childhood game ‘tag’ can be tremendously useful, whether for a novice who is learning how to box or for an experienced fighter who is looking to sharpen their skills. You know what I really like about this game of ‘boxing tag’ is the fact that we can enhance our skills in a realistic manner without big shots being thrown. We’ve all had tough spars and tough fights in our career, so ‘lightening up’ a little every now and again will do no harm at all!

OK, here’s how we do it. If you get the chance to work with a partner, have 3 rounds of tag boxing in the gym. No gloves. The aim is to tap your opponent’s thigh or shoulder with an open palm (or your fingertips), and not get tapped yourself. Now this is really simple, it’s all about speed and efficiency of movement. We will use 3 skill components:

1. The boxing stance
2. Moving in and out
3. Ducking

Some things to remember when having a go:

1. Don’t bend at the waist to hit the thigh, bend the knees.
2. Use lots of feints.
3. Short, explosive movements with the feet; push off the front foot to move backwards, the back foot to move forwards.
4. Aim for very short foot movements, looking to feint, push out (6-8cm) and then straight back in to get your tap in.
5. Don’t be tempted to ‘pull’ your leg out of the way of a tap; it’s cheating and it ruins your stance as well as missing the entire point of the thing! Imagine the car crash if when an opponent threw a punch you pulled your front leg back. Two words, ‘knock’ and ‘out’.
6. Stay relaxed and learn about the subtle movements involved in hitting whilst not being hit.

Try this footwork drill a few times a week, and your footwork will improve greatly… and you don’t have to take punches whilst learning, that’s gotta be good!