best way to learn footwork and rythem?

Question

in terms of boxing?

Answer 1

Oh god, i am dissapointed in the lack of help this website seems to be bringing you. Tapdancing? It teaches you beat, you don't want a beat, you want a rhythm, rhythm changes. Ok if you read my other quick blurb on the jab i'll work off of that to help you.
The pengelum (pengilum?) step: Get your feet into thier natural ready positions, move onto the balls of your feet then shift your weight back and forth, get a feel for it, just a slight movement back and forth onto the ball of your left foot, then back onto the ball of your right, speed it up, and slow it down, don't have one set beat, or else your opponent will regognize it and beat you into the mat. For footwork, it's always bring it out, then bring it back in.
So; if i move forward i move my forward foot first (in my case my left) then bring in my right, back into it's natural ready position, never letting my heels touch the ground for any reason.
Backwards, same thing, back foot leads, front foot follows, always keeping you balance in between your two feet and able to move in any direction, (keep your hands up and look through your eyebrows at all times). Moving right, right foot to the outside, widen your stance, then the left foot brings it back in again into that oh so repetitive ready position. Left is the same thing but backwards, or opposite.
Pivoting is important, because it allows you to turn without crossing your feet, so it leaves your balance strong, just remember to always widen your stance first then bring it in, and stay on the balls of your feet.
After you've got your foot work down, start shadowboxing, throwing punches, but don't get into any habits, leave everything random, fast and variable. Always be changing your rhythm, speeding up and slowing down leave yourself harder to peg down for pattern, leave your shoulders loose and relaxed, just hang your hands where they are supposed to be, your left hand floating in front of your face, and your right hand just touching your cheek. If you tense up, you telegraph your punches and give yourself away for his defence or counter attack.
That's most of it. Talk to your instructor, if your think you are making mistakes, ask him to watch you to point out what you are doing wrong.

Answer 2

Learning how to dance is very useful, don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. Unless you're a Roy Jones-esque athlete born with naturally quick feet and/or hands, you're going to have to improve your muscle memory and strengthen parts of your legs that we usually don't use every day. Dancing (tapdancing for instance, but other types of dancing works) helps to improve coordination and helps to get used to smoother movements in your legs.

Another useful device is this one: http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24689

It's basically just velcro cuffs attached to surgical tubing. It has the right amount of "give" and tension to 1. help you develop muscle memory as to what position your feet should be in and proper distancing/balance and 2. strengthen muscles in a more controlled fashion (again, improving balance and control).

Remember though, footwork is not all about leaping in and out like Roy Jones or doing fancy dances like Ali and Robinson. Sometimes it's about being deliberate, calculating and intelligent, like Bernard Hopkins. That outlook would probably be better for the "average" person, as the average person was not born with the type of athletic talent and ability that your stereotypical fighters with fast feet and hands were.

Answer 3

I would try and find some tapes on the footwork of Sugar Ray Robinson because it does not get any better than that.

Answer 4

um ... like put on a music and try and get the rythem of it .. apply it alos listen and look make sure there is a pattern to ur style

Answer 5

difficult to explain.but join your local boxing gym to learn your basic stance,then practice from there on mate.nothing like experience.

Answer 6

Ballet.

Answer 7

dancing like calvin brock

Answer 8

this is going to sound weird to you but try dancing. like tap dancing.

Answer 9

I AM GLAD YOU SAID BOXING BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU TO CONTACT EMMIT SMITH.

Answer 10

You mean rhythm?