Footwork Techniques - Part 2

The second part of Footwork is about shutting down your opponent’s attack with defending and trapping footwork, your anticipation and counter-attacking. Focus and concentration skills will have to be of the highest level.

Defending Footwork

Like attacking and bridging footwork, acceleration is the key to this footwork but in reverse. Timing and confidence in your ability will see you having success with defending footwork. I recommend that you choose a reliable partner, instructing them on the type of attack you wish to practice.

Facing opponent
1. Facing opponent
Black attacks middle Front kick, White Evades 45’ and blocks Inner straight-arm Block
2. Black attacks middle Front kick, White Evades 45’ and blocks Inner straight-arm Block
White scores middle reverse punch
3. White scores middle reverse punch

Facing opponent
1. Facing opponent
Blue attacks with punch, White retreats straight back indicated by arrow and sweeps
2. Blue attacks with punch, White retreats straight back indicated by arrow and sweeps
White scores middle reverse punch
3. White scores middle reverse punch

Trapping Footwork

This is the last type of footwork. This skill takes time and you have to be adventurous and willing to take risks or place yourself under pressure in order to trap an opponent, either on the penalty line or in the corner.

Again one of my suggestions is to find a reliable partner. You will have to spend hours and have the confidence to try both defending and trapping footwork in the heat of the battle when on the mat.

Facing opponent
1. Facing opponent
Black is trapped in corner and tries to escape along line indicated by arrow. White halts escape by shifting front food as indicated by arrow.
2. Black is trapped in corner and tries to escape along line indicated by arrow. White halts escape by shifting front food as indicated by arrow.
White forces black into penalty area
3. White forces black into penalty area

Facing opponent
1. Facing opponent
Black tries to escape along line indicated by arrow. White shifts back foot along line as indicated by arrow.
2. Black tries to escape along line indicated by arrow. White shifts back foot along line as indicated by arrow.
White tries to score before Black steps back into penalty area.
3. White tries to score before Black steps back into penalty area.

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