Step out
Foundations / Footwork / Shadow
A lateral step off the line to the lead side, width kept the whole way.
Off the line, still in stance
- Lead foot out onto the ball of the foot.
- Rear foot follows the same distance.
- You should be able to jab the moment the rear foot lands.
Foundations / Foundation / Shadow
Why it matters
Stepping off the line is how you stop standing in front of somebody. It is small, it is sideways and it keeps the stance, which is why it is a foundation and not a trick.
Walk through it
- StanceNote the width between the feet
- Lead foot outSideways to the lead side, landing light
- Rear foot followsThe width comes back to where it was
- Same stance, off the lineA new line to the target, same hands, same chin
Common faults
- Feet come togetherThe most common fault in a lateral step; keep the width at every point
- Turning into a walkThe stagger should be the same at the finish as at the start
- Head risesThe step is flat, from the knees
Drill
3 rounds of 1 min 30 s, 30 s rest. 8 to 10 steps a round, alternating a step out with a step back to the start
Solo study: no partner, no contact, not verified by a coach. Rehearse a movement your coach has already shown you.
The movements inside it
- Boxing guard: Set the feet, Hands home, Check balance, Ready. Watch for: Avoid bringing the feet onto one tightrope.
- Step out: Stance, Lead foot out, Rear foot follows, Same stance, off the line. Watch for: The feet come together on the way across. Keep the width at every point of the step.
Where it sits
Foundations: The stance, the jab and the feet. Everything else in the room returns to these six.
Other studies in this tier: Stance and breathing, Jab / return to guard, Jab / step back, Step in, Rhythm bounce.
Sessions that use it: Feet first.
Rehearse, then reflect
Open the visual study to see the movement from four cameras. Start slowly using the movement taught by your coach, pause between repetitions and keep the range comfortable. Add the study to a session when you want a timed block, and record one useful observation afterward.
Open the visual study ↗How to use the studio · Glossary · What this app is not · Method and limits