Split legged footwork

This is one of the more underutilized forms of footwork in all of boxing and kickboxing. While most are familar with the most common forms of footwork (see previous blog entry) the split leg footwork pattern is fairly underutilized. Why is this? Probably because it is more difficult to co-ordinate than other footwork patterns.

However, it is a pattern that is well worth learning because it has incredible speed attach to it.

Primarily, it involves moving forward by doing a 1/2 split with the front and rear leg and then dragging the rear leg forward rapidly.

This footwork pattern is utilized in order to "intercept" other punches because of the advanced level of speed it delivers.

For example, if a person tries to hit you with a jab based on the push step, you can immediately perform a split leg cross to intercept him. If pulled off properly, you will (literally) beat him to the punch.