Is the 'boxing shuffle' really a series of steps or slides? My coach keeps saying I drag my rear foot. Say, when I throw a basic 1-2, he says should I step and step again with my rear foot, lifting the balls of my foot clear off the ground. This also applies to general movement around the ring. Also: Is it always true that the leading leg must move first, even when going backwards?
To answer your question about the 1,2. You should step in with the jab when you have the space and push off your back foot before stepping (to generate more power). When I throw the straight right for power, I don't pick up my back foot off the ground and instead pivot effectively. Your leading leg moves first when going forwards, and your back leg moves first when going backwards (although you push off the opposite foot). If you are moving to the left you first step with your left leg (leading leg assuming you are orthodox), if you are moving right you step with your right leg (back leg). Worry about the shuffling your legs when you mastered the basics.
Whatever direction you step in then that is the leg that moves. If you step back then your back leg steps first.
I've been working on footwork a lot lately, and my coach has been instructing for over 40 yrs, and is a former pro. He insists that the proper stance is (when orthodox) left foot flat with the toe "dug in", weight on the ball of that foot, rear heel raised with weight on the ball of that foot as well. Balance should feel evenly and easily distributed to either foot at any time. When stepping forward, push off with the back. When stepping back, push from the front foot. Stepping left, push with the right. Stepping right, push with the left. One foot should be flat, the other should be on the toe. Hope that helps.
Sounds like a plan... Also, when shuffling forward or backward, these are just minute steps done in succession. But, they should be executed properly... so, when you're shuffling forward, mini-step with the front foot, mini-step with the back foot and repeat many times until you are in desired punching range and position. The idea is to be in punching position all the time as you move in without getting stuck with the legs too far apart at any given moment. Shuffling backwards would be the opposite. Whether you drag the second leg or not isn't as important as making sure you land on the ball of the foot at the completion of the movement. For instance, when stepping back, you push straight back off the front foot while stepping back with the back foot onto the ball of that foot. Then you pull the front foot back into position. This is where many fighters land with the front foot on the heel and are immobile for a split second.
Another tid bit.. I'm learning the art of economy by taking two inch steps. You would be surprised how much your punching range increases by just moving two inches in any direction.
Don't fight economically, fight with purpose. Everything you do must have purpose. You take a 2 inch step because you have to.
