I think it's a good idea to keep your body just kind of "flowing" for lack of a better word while you're in the ring. It's much easier to block shots,evade shots,ect. when your body is already moving than if it was just completely still. I have had people agree with me on this but I've also heard people say that it keeps you off balance and exerts unneeded energy. Your thoughts?
When I say moving I don't mean just using footwork. I'm talking about bouncing back in forth on your toes,moving your head from side to side,stuff like that. Really what I wanted to talk about was bouncing on your toes. I've seen some guys who overdo it and look like crackheads but I don't see a problem if it's done in moderation. I've always done this but I had somebody tell me today that it's going to be easier for me to get knocked out because I'm always out of balance.
It really depends on what you can do. You're always taught to keep your hands up for example, protect your face, keep your guard up. Ali hardly ever did that and it worked fine for him. Find a good coach, stick with him and do what he tells you. I think you need to get your basics down first and then you can see what works for you later as you develop your style.
I think I've already found my style. I've been boxing for about a year and a half now. The guy who made the comment that I mentioned before is a new coach at the gym. My regular coach wasn't there that day. I'm still going to stick with what I know. But I just wanted to get some opinions on this anyways.
There is no point in moving when you don't have to, you already have your sensory system trying to figure out the guy in front of you, if you're putting yourself off balance for no reason you're just making it harder for yourself as well as pointlessly using up energy. You need to be off balance to move and attack but when the punches are coming at you what you need is a wide, stable base.
You need constant movement, but you don't need to be bouncing around like a meth addict. Think like a tennis player waiting for a serve. He's moving and ready to react, but he's not compromising his balance or form.
Why would you need constant movement? Whenever you are moving you are off balance. A tennis player just needs to flick a ball back over the net, a boxer needs to withstand a powerful blow. The best performers are efficient with their movement, you don't see Mayweather or Lomachenko moving around with no purpose. If you're shifting your weight constantly it's very easy to get timed in a compromising position. If you're moving alot you're making yourself predictable, you telegraph your rythym.
keep your head moving, but no need to be bouncing up and down thats just wasting energy and keeping you off balance
You need movement at all times, all the greats are never fully static, cause its easier to move if your already moving than going from a stand still.
Ever seen Pernell Whitaker? The reason he was so good is because he only moved when he had to, he was completely still alot of the time. Look at the really skilled fighters Mayweather Toney etc. and you'll see them standing completely still at times during their fights. If you have your knees bent there should be no reason why you can't move from a standstill with ease. If you're moving it is easier to get knocked down. It's common trainer advice for a beginner to be moving constantly but as they become more skilled there is less need to be moving.
If you bounce around alot you can be timed. Also wastes energy. Key is too just stay relaxed and loose, not tense, and explode at the proper times.
For me it's needs- musts some guys respond badly to movement and feints others just pop a jab in ur face! Be versatile!