A really simple boxing tip here, one that I use regularly to help boxers think about how they move and punch to maximum effect. Apply this thinking and you will be able to be much more effective in building your boxing combinations and improving your boxing footwork.
I’ve included a link below that will take you to an article where you can get some more information on range in boxing.
Range #1 – Out of Range
As the name suggests this is about being well beyond the each of your opponent whilst likewise your opponent is beyond your range. When out of range you can take a rest, regroup and gear up for your next attack. It is important though to not switch off. A skilled fighter can close ground very, very quickly, so it is worth ‘staying frosty’.
Range #2 – Edge of Range
The edge of range in boxing is a massively important concept in boxing. As a fighter being able to perceive your distant to the opponent down to the inch will enable you to avoid their punches and land your own with a much greater success rate.
Range #3 – Long Range
This is the furthest point from you opponent at which you can land your shots. The shots we are talking about here are jabs, straight back hands, long range uppercuts and hooks. Boxers, certainly in the amateur code, spend the majority of their time at the edge of range and long range, switching between the two to deliver big hits to the opponent.
Range #4 – Mid Range
This is all about hooks and uppercuts, as you expect when you are ‘In the pocket’. I like to view mid range as being the distance of your extended upper arm out to long range. This means that you can extend mid range hooks and uppercuts to gradually evolve into long range punches. This is a vital concept in building your combinations.
Range #5 – Close Range/Short Range
Close range is anything from the tip of your nose out to the length of your extended upper arm. This is real ‘in the trenches’ fighting, with short and powerful shots being exchanged with one eye on defence. The shorter the shots the fewer openings you leave in your own protection. Again, short range punches may graduate into mid range punches.
A very simple 90 Second Boxing Tip that will help you think in a structured way about your position in relation to your opponent.
Here’s a link to some more information on Range in Boxing.
I’m very interesting in your comments or questions, please leave them below.
Cheers
Fran
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Awesome as always fran thanks for these tips
No worries. Thanks Buck.
Very informative! Thank you for your input on the different ranges!
As a writer, I was wondering… have you, or would you ever consider training an actor for a boxing movie? Do you have any MMA fighting skills?
Are you based in the UK or in the US?
Hey Emilio
I don’t have MMA fighting skills and I have never trained a boxer for a movie. Would I consider it? Don’t know really, depends on circumstances.
You are welcome on the video by the way 🙂
i cant see the video, it doesn’t show me what is the problem .
i cant see the video
Hi Fran…I usually move too much causing me to put myself out of range for any counters…so is it safe to say that I should only move my feet in six inch increments? Should I trying using something to prevent my feet from moving too far apart to prevent this ongoing problem of mine? Like a rope or something like that?
Yes Dan, smaller more explosive movements are preferable
Hy Fran, do you change position of the feet – legs while you are moving closer to you oponent, so you are squared at close distance or stance feet remainn in same position at all ranges?
Tnx
You can do. Stance can go wider or more square up close depending on the need.
Fran, you are a fine teacher. Your lessons are clear and concise.
Thank you, very kind.
Hi Fran,
Thank you for this summary regarding range. I’m doing a bit of catch up on the myboxingcoach site.
Just wondering if you’ve got helpful tips for the rangier boxers. Fight plans on using their physical attributes to their advantage (long arms, legs, height). How to cope with aggressive forward incoming fighters.
I’ve seen so many helpful tips on how the shorter fighters should fight taller fighters. I’m finding it really difficult to find helpful tips how taller/rangier fighters should fight the elusive incoming aggressive shorter fighters.
Cheers from Dave.
Hi Dave
There’s nothing specific either way on that, I’ve always said that great boxing is great boxing regardless of height. I will put something together but a couple of quick tips 1) use the jab with the push away to maintain range – maintaining long range is a key here and combining feet with punches are that in a nutshell and 2) in the same vein use the pivot and lead hand hook to ‘deflect’ straight line attacks with a shot.
Hope this helps.
Great idea! Will use these for quick review before and after workouts.
Good stuff, thanks Rob.
Hi Fran,
Great tips and drills as usual,
Thanks
Thanks Des
hi fran, i like the idea of these short 90 second tutorials and with some of my guys thats about as long as their attention span lasts before their eyes start glazing over 🙂 so i think short ,sharp and straight to the point is good, keep em coming mate.
Excellent Mark, we’ve all had those ‘attention span’ issues
Nice!
Cheers Gary, these are something that will definitely help us in the future 😉