The Basic Skills of Boxing

Good footwork is important to enable the boxer to defend or attack from a balanced position.

When starting out, boxers will usually first be taught how to fight at a distance, also known as ‘outfighting,’ rather than getting in close where they are more likely to be hit.

The skills used here include arm's-length punches and quick footwork to enable boxers to deliver a blow before their opponent can respond. It is the best way to tire out and attack an opponent, and it lessens their chance of a counterattack.

The following boxing techniques are described for right-handed boxers (if you are a left-handed or a "southpaw" boxer then use the opposite arm or leg to what is being described).