There are only 5 footwork movements you need to know and master.

That's it. Just 5. No more and no less.

If you master these 5 you'll become untouchable.

In this post I'm going to show you what they are.

There is also a bonus footwork movement video I added further down within the post.

Video Breakdown 1/2: 5 Footwork Movements

1. Step In and Step Out

Step-in and step-out allows you to gain distance and reach.

You are stepping in forward with your lead leg or stepping-out backwards with your rear leg.

Step-in and step-out is also known as holding your ground.

You are not moving into a new position instead you are getting the distance in or out but then you always return to where you originally started from.

2. Forward and Backward Shuffle

The forward or the backward shuffle will move you into new position to strike from.

You are moving forward or moving backwards.

If you are moving forward then you lead leg moves first. If you are going backwards then your rear leg moves first. In both cases you are moving into new position.

You can double or triple up on the forward/backward shuffle to close distance or create distance very quickly.

3. Lateral Movement

Lateral movement is side to side. Shuffling your feet going to the left or to the right, changing distance.

If you are moving to the right then your right foot moves first. If you are moving to the left then your left foot moves first.

Lateral movement is very important and under-utilized in fighting. Very helpful when you are up against a wall or a cage/ring and need to move but can't move back.

4. Side Step Shuffle

Side step shuffle is similar to lateral movement with one exception - you are quickly hopping to one side to get an angle so you can strike.

It is similar to what Mike Tyson does with his footwork as he quickly hops to one side to deliver his devastating uppercuts and hooks.

Side step shuffle is a great footwork movement because it positions you at an angle to execute powerful combinations

5. Pivots

Pivots are the king of all footwork movements.

All 5 footwork movements are important but pivot is very special. Nothing better will allow you move off the centerline, get an angle and position you to deliver your strikes.

If you master the pivot then it's game over.

You'll be pivoting either to your left or to your right. If you're orthodox then most of the time you'll pivoting to the left and if you are southpaw you'll mostly be pivoting to the right.

The pivot can be done stationary right from your fight stance. But step then pivot will be far more effective because it moves you off position then provides you with an angle.

Video Breakdown 2/2: Bonus - Lateral Step Out, Back In

Fighter's Footwork

These are the 5 footwork movements you need. No more and no less. You need to master these 5 and also begin to incorporate punching at the same time. In "Fighter's Footwork" program I will show you how.