Do Not Go Backwards in Sparring | Sidestep Strategies for Boxing and MMA

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If you are new and running away during sparring, that is pretty normal. You would actually have to be kinda stupid to not be running away. Finding training partners you can trust to go at a pace that is productive for you is the real difficulty, but once you do you should concentrate on sidestepping instead of moving backward.
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[@hard2hurt]

Question for Viewers: What else are you having trouble with in sparring?

[@joefernandez1241]

Boxing specific: getting in close to attack the body, also getting stuck in close when someone is better at dirty boxing than me.

[@Agiranto]

Lowering one's eyes during sparring.

[@CharlesKingSound]

Sometimes I still have trouble with relaxation during sparring...Especially after taking a hit. Good video by the way.

[@RaptureScore]

@@Agiranto I used to have this issue too. I put a piece of red tape on my heavy bag and kept my eyes on it. This worked for me, but it may not work for you.

[@oceanmartialarts]

My many of my students have trouble “engaging”. Mostly due to inexperience, although some are experienced & don’t utilize the proper footwork to engage. Like you said, they just try something, if it don’t work they just back up. Grrr LoL. Great video!

[@therandomdickhead5744]

"Shit happens, we're fighting" Unironically the best advice I've heard

[@swiftbiscuit8624]

The last two brain cells when my brother threw the pillow at me

[@fabooshka]

This is the MOST IMPORTANT LESSON for me I've been trying to fix this and 2. Flinching 3. Measuring range In sparring

[@xlr527]

I suffer with flinching during sparring as well.

[@ShayquanOnfroy]

​@@xlr527flinching is good though youll be more aware

[@blueflame3531]

How is it going?

[@fabooshka]

@@blueflame3531 oh that's crazy man, 3 years have passed, i've gotten much better. 1. i still constantly use this V shaped sidestepping footwork or pivots to avoid backing up 2. no longer flinch when i get hit anymore, even if i do flinch, i consciously remind myself to open my eyes wide to keep my eyes on the opponent's center mass 3. I like to trap opponent's lead hand to stuff their straight attacks & use the long guard, but I'm still working on right body kick defense when im in orthodox with my left hand extended.

[@wolfhawk1999]

"Don't run away, you'll just die tired." I'm going to remember that. Especially since I'm not a fast runner

[@binaryglitch64]

I'd rather die tired than die with a lil juice left in me... but that's not the point... the point was in contrats to standing a chance.

[@Hybrid_Odin]

You can become one with the right hands on training trust me I USE to have really bad asama (bad breathing I probably spelled wrong sorry) I thought it was impossible but with some Gohan no piccolo around to be my new dad training and you'll be surprised 😂😂😂

[@FaithRox]

One of the best training exercises we ever done at our gym was sparring with one foot inside the same tire. Forced us to use headmovement, hand trapping, parrying and counters.

[@fuckmedude8167]

That sounds really good

[@BostinBlackCountryKickboxer]

We used to do something similar called a "phone box spar", you and your partner had to stay within the confines of 4ftx4ft square, if you ran you got a forfeit eg a shitload of burpees

[@grayalun]

That's a great drill, we had to tie our belts together, same idea forces you to get used to that uncomfortable distance.

[@AbitCoD]

Ed Simmonds so u were forced to one particular style of boxing?

[@snazdogdbfan251]

Haha like creed!

[@CrystaTiBoha]

"Don't run away, you'll just die tired." -Icy Mike Sound like some good life advice.

[@grsimpson3957]

I'm not fighting like a coward, okay? I'm fighting like a dollar store Muhammad Ali.

[@marceldouwstra5847]

"Float like a butterfly... just that"

[@hard2hurt]

@@marceldouwstra5847 lol

[@ghilbertgivens1514]

Sting like a jellyfish flow like a jellyfish

[@willcardenas1579]

@@marceldouwstra5847 lmfao

[@xriex]

@@marceldouwstra5847 "Float like a butterfly, flee like a bee!"

[@changsot4789]

I really like the educational mentality ! Too many guys in the scene just wanna hurt someone

[@davybigfly]

I can't help but notice your gym has a lack of mirrors. To where is one supposed to flex at?

[@gavinnorris6348]

At your boys.

[@infiniteinfinity18]

Even we have a mirror and we ain't even flexin

[@aljosap8445]

Haha i know you are joking but mirrors at marshall arts are actually very useful.

[@TalkingIsh100]

@@aljosap8445 ...I know this was a joke but it is odd to not have mirrors in a gym. No matter if you're lifting weights, training in martial arts or training in boxing mirrors help a lot as far as utilizing proper form.

[@beeenreen5954]

@@TalkingIsh100 yeah for shadow boxing its actually necessary

[@brownsey1]

Great point! Was completely overawed when sparring at first. Hard learning to stay in the pocket but it's the only way you learn that getting punched isn't the worst thing in the world. I'd zip in and out, which is frustrating for your opponent but it does nothing.

[@brownsey1]

@@blackhoodie4170 The problem was that I wasn't doing that. I was staying out of range every time I zipped out but wasn't being too offensive when zipping back in. That was a few years ago now though. An oul double jab, right cross works well I find these days haha

[@alejandrohuerta9905]

What I enjoy about your videos/channel, is that they mostly call me out in stuff I've realized I've done in practice. Which I definitely for sure realized was not necessarily the correct way to train with someone, but your videos for sure helped me realize the correct way to learn in the gym.

[@captainbeaver_man903]

I always tell my students that one, maybe two steps back is all that is allowed but after that there is a wall and forward (angles) is the only way to go. Good video.

[@TophatlarryOG]

I've been trying to introduce your tips into my sparring session's with friends and I feel like we trust each other so much more. If i notice my buddies getting tired I'll stop and ask if things are okay and they do the same. Were still shit tho but were better than last year so hell yeah.

[@hard2hurt]

If you're having fun and being safe that's what's most important.

[@stevenshar1233]

One tip I learned from watching Loma is he always sidesteps after throwing his jab to cover the side he's moving to. For example, if he's moving right, he'll throw jabs to cover his opponent's right hand to keep it busy. So now, he's in a better position, his opponent's is already moves behind because they're dealing with his jabs.

[@JohnnyTheBoyWonder]

I love how the “LEG MASSOLE” is still going on. For real it gets me every time lol I would like to see the video on that side step side shuffle you mentioned.

[@fatherpepsii6237]

This is perfect because I spared for the first time on Wednesday and got messed up but had fun. Thankyou for posting this

[@lifeismeaningless5512]

Did you go for free or did you have to pay?

[@derekvandenburg6689]

As a karate guy, I do not have a problem moving backwards. It sets me up to use my kicks defensively.

[@jeraldmcclainofficial6005]

Problem: 1. That methodology works in point competition where you score by "touching" the other guy with your foot and not actually "hurting" him and 2. You can only fight the way you train. I came from one of those karate schools where "running" is the main strategy and believe me when I tell you that said approach might get you killed on the street.

[@Boogsbejones]

Ya never moving back is for dumbasses with no foot work

[@PointlesslyNecessaryConvos]

No actually, running is probably the smartest thing you could do on the street. This advice is for training in a gym and sparring. Not street fighting.

[@vamposhiz]

Backing into a loaded position is great, he just means don’t move into a position where you can’t counter

[@JEM-fo6rs]

It’s mindset, well said. The “rolling counter” hooks are my favorites. Those pivots Cliff was doing is something you see amateur boxers do a lot. Very useful tool for cutting a quick angle. Even going to the power side. It throws you opponents timing off. Of course you have to be control the tempo to be effective with that one.

[@TeyCallMeBigMac]

When things like 1:29 happen, I like to keep 100 percent volume and pressure but ease up big time on the power of each punch to the point of borderline limp noodling it. I think it’s useful for them to experience that so they know they MUST learn to get out of it or counter, but without giving them headaches ya know.

[@LDT751]

God bless u all

[@TOPSyndicate]

This dude helped my sparring how a lot!

[@hard2hurt]

Love to hear it

[@TheRealVergo]

Durwyn Lamb out of Lamb IV Striking Academy Fort Worth Texas taught me the step pivot today. We train it religiously. It is one of the greatest lessons in kickboxing and MMA DEFENSE. This video is so helpful for me because I run like Mayweather but want to stand my ground like a Spartan. Thank you sir!!!!

[@OVeRiNTeNZe]

Fighting backwards isn't just for defense it can be used to set traps and manipulate an experienced fighter

[@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060]

Exactly if somebody overcommits or they chase you when all you did was feint they can make themselves wide open.

[@deathmachine808]

Gonna start watching your back catalog. Seems like a good channel.

[@hard2hurt]

Thanks man welcome to the squad

[@roninkaratemma6372]

"You're fighting shit happens" that needs to be on a tshirt, meme, and plastered on the wall in every gym/dojo

[@MartialArtsMoves]

*Hahahahaha, I agree!*

[@miamidadesavage13]

That side pivot movement just blew me away on just moving without no effort and still being able to engage crazy I would never have thought of that

[@maxsonja6608]

I absolutely love your videos, been training for 28 years, getting ready to get my purple belt in Bjj, I am a big knife enthusiast however I agree with what your saying you should learn how to fight before you pick up any weapon, so happy a stumbled on to you guys keep it up brother.

[@johnlloyddy7016]

One of the things I've discovered while sparring is that your stance plays a big factor in whether you are more likely to go backward or forward or sideways. Most newbies me included tended to adopt the classic boxing sideways back stance which pretty much forces you to put most of your weight on your back leg and your heels when defending making it easier for your opponent to pressure you into stepping backwards. While a slightly squared stance that makes you balance your weight on the balls of your feet forcing you to lean forwards helps you be able to move forward and sideways a lot better and if necessary, skip backwards as well. I've learned that once you are able to maintain your stance under pressure, you become more confident about moving sideways or forward instead of jumping back to create distance so you can reset everytime you feel pressure.

[@mikemunson7070]

Great video. I didn't realize it until I saw this video but I have been doing just that. Thank you

[@thechosenwon4089]

Good lesson. And your right it took me years to train my instincts to not shuffle backwards. Pro tip. If your able to switch stances. after a solid block and or clean slip when finding your momentum going backwards switch stances and push forward almost always get the reaction I'm looking for.

[@metalmayfantasy]

This is the hardest for me to learn, for some reason, but I'm getting there. Baby steps.

[@ilaughatfunnyshit3482]

Ive said it for years. Never even got close to explaining it like you do. Thanks. now i can just show my friends this vid.

[@IsmailAbdulMusic]

Good video. Sparring is not for knocking your sparring partner unconscious. It's for learning your fight craft and applying it

[@tripphines432]

I feel like I'm always waiting for the "Laig Moe-soles!" 😁 Cracks me up. I just started back boxing as a middle-aged outta shape man. I'm loving all these tips. I find it encouraging. Thanks my man.

[@benvella1728]

"you gotta know why you're running away" Seems obvious to me... You're fighting Cliff.

[@hard2hurt]

Astute

[@Carver1776]

Thumbs up for LEG MUH-SCLE

[@Docinaplane]

Good information! There are runners, blockers, and jammers. I think Cliff trained the Joe Lewis fighting system. Use your left hand to cross block the right as you move to your left and punch with your right at the same time. I do a shuffle step or maybe call it a switch step one step back then move in any direction off that.

[@VincentMMALife]

Wait Mike so you're telling me we shouldn't fight like Seth anymore?

[@hard2hurt]

Definitely not.

[@binaryglitch64]

Ooooh! WORLDSTAR ! Lol that was great.

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Wasn't it obvious?

[@igorg.8624]

I make the going backwards mistake often in sparring. Working on side-stepping is so important.

[@Hybrid_Odin]

Don't be scared homie is all I can say thank you for letting me know my fighting is on a high level and that my training was for nothing. I'm kinda Ronin so it sucks not having someone tough like you around

[@MarkedInBlack]

This is an excellent video. One of our boxing coaches had a rope and would tie it around our waists in sparring. There would be 3 to 4 feet of slack in between them. We all started roped in the beginning and it was a damn good teacher.

[@concretebreakdowns9656]

0:16 This has a lot guys staring slightly uncomfortable at their screens. I see so many people not understanding the difference between sparring light and mostly running away with some non comittal combinations sprinkled inbetween. Great vid, important content!

[@bolieve603]

I back up a lot in sparring, especially against someone with a big reach disadvantage. By moving backwards you're lengthening the time that your opponent is in the range where you can reach but they can't. Of course you have to circle to stay in the space provided whether that's a ring, a cage, or a section of mat. Precision Striking's tips for outside fighters videos really helped me put together the footwork and timing to land hard punches while moving backwards.

[@Summer_Tea]

I can imagine if you're short, and especially if you're actually going hard/for real or something, that knowing when to backstep is paramount to your survival. But I think this video is more focused on getting you comfortable with how to close the distance when you need to, which you do need to if you're shorter anyways. After that, it's about picking the right time to go in I would say.

[@shannonsullivan2520]

I usually spar my buddy who is 55lbs bigger (not fat) and 3 inches taller. Running away is a survival mechanism for me.

[@kinetickill1763]

I began watching your videos yesterday after searching reviews for self defense weapons, I could not stop watching your videos, very interesting and fun. Subscribed. Regards, Franklin from Honduras.

[@jomess7879]

Ironic that you posted this right before hard ready and everyone touched on this subject Haha. It was nice meeting you.

[@juhpuh5881]

Going backwards is awesome gotta use it all

[@DPham1]

This came at the right time! Just saw this video in my recommended after Shane's video on how to stop "running away."

[@l1348]

Dude, thank you so much. I’ve been boxing for a few months now and this really helped me.

[@irreverentsensei9565]

I like this video. We use the phrase “think in”. For the same concept. I will admit sometimes it is a struggle.

[@isaacconandoyle6681]

I have gotten quite good at landing counter strikes while going backwards and suddenly shooting forwards when the time is right. Helps me deal with bigger, tankier opponents. I'm proud of that ☺️

[@psilocybinenthusiast5200]

Need to learn this so badly was sparring a bigger dude and he was coming forward with flurries which I just couldn’t seem to do anything against.

[@owensweet3248]

Do a full video on the "tyson type sequence"

[@tn4070]

Yes!

[@Shelby_Arr]

The step-pivot in closed stance has worked well for me if we're starting at longer range, where I'm working kicks. If they try to close the distance to lock up my legs, it's been a convenient way to get the angle to throw a fully cross-body, right-leg roundhouse (assuming two orthodox fighters) to an open target. In close, not so much. If they're not going to "charge" past you as you pivot, it seems to present issues. Haven't really played with using a lead hook to lock them down while performing the pivot, though. Seems plausible, but might not actually be feasible.

[@ShazadGaming558]

Man I’m 4 years late but today I have fight in karate and I’m definitely gonna try the left to right and everything u say

[@Dbdilly]

Fran sands has some great footwork and movement tips and drills

[@lowbudgetmma3087]

I like to go straight forward. Ram into them a bit and as they try to figure out their positioning and whether they should be defending or punching, I angle out adjacent to their position. I'm 5'7" on a good day, so this works for me against most of my training partners, who are taller.

[@roughryder5]

I like realness, and this man is all about realness.

[@Mangosis623]

"Dont run away youll just die tired" Simple genius wisdom

[@sams3015]

Great, I needed this video. Sparring is just back in my country since like March.

[@313Saj]

You should not be moving back in straight lines but sometimes you might have to move back few steps before circling out. It all depends on the situation.

[@jeraldmcclainofficial6005]

"Don't 'run away,' you'll just 'die tired.'" That's the best way I've ever heard that put.

[@TangomanX2008]

Where I train its interesting. The way it works where I train is that we are told not to do it (eg we don't know what's behind us, so we train to step to the side). But life being what it is, and recognizing that we might do so anyway, when we work our combos, where is one combo where we step back, cover up with our hands (kind of what you called a tight guard), step forward again, then perform the punches to the pad. The idea is that don't do it, but if you ever find yourself having stepped back, you immediately step forward and keep fighting.

[@snazdogdbfan251]

I was looking for something like this. Thank you icy Mike for dropping fire just when we need it

[@kieranarmstrong3656]

Not being a comment troll here because the step across the partner did probably works but I’d personally try closing the distance then switching stance to get to the same position 🤙🏻🤙🏻 great video boys

[@kieranarmstrong3656]

Almost like a shuffle if that makes sense haha

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

I won't lie.. In tkd.. I run away lol. Now, it's almost 8mths since my last session.. I think my first month back I'll be RUNNING away!

[@kungfucampinginwinter7221]

He is right, no backward. talk some punches is not a big deal. you need go forward make some damage

[@n.harewood3846]

This is y fighters like Mike Tyson were so successful moved around and stayed in the pocket

[@chadherbert18]

Man, so similar to longsword fighting! I use backward movement to condition my opponent and get them chasing, then switch to lateral movement and the end result is that targets that are usually not in range become available, like legs. I use slipping almost exactly the same way! Took me a bit to figure out the setup and it’s daunting to step into and under a long sword blade, but it leaves your opponent so wide open. Also, try it in the middle of a combo - block his right, then left, them slip under his next right when he’s really committed and not expecting it! I do this with the sword to cut across the belly and it takes the wind out of my targets. A difference being I only need to succeed 2-3 times to end a match as body shots are 3 points, legs 2, and a match ends at 9. Do you have success with faking a step in one direction to set this up? IE little step and shoulders dip and then springing the other way and sinking a fist into his gut and maybe following with a left hook? Do you condition your opponent with patterns and then break the patterns in a fight? :)

[@omarmonoruiz]

yes, iron mike. jab to the body (left), slip shuffle right, right hook to the body, hook to the head (behind the ear, as they adjust), outside angle . not saying i could do it, but its slick af. def designed for smaller fighters

[@seetsamolapo5600]

So us taller fighters can only fight boring like Lewis?

[@omarmonoruiz]

@@seetsamolapo5600 yes. xd

[@seetsamolapo5600]

@@omarmonoruiz lol I still harbour hope somewhere that was a tall come forward type of fighter that is not named Foreman

[@mattheworeilly8813]

This is my favorite channel

[@TeddyRhodesArt]

"Don't run away,you'll die tired" Floyd mayweather took offense to that.

[@Zapinator321]

Very informative video

[@jayvis123111]

2:40 I just want to shout out the person holding the camera over their head for that shot. thanks for that.

[@Genethagenius]

“Don’t run away, you’ll die a coward!”. I love this! Wish I would have known you were doing a seminar at that Krav Maga place in Buford, I’m literally a few miles away! Next time I guess!

[@yamchayaku]

If you can't escape that means you were outclassed from the start. And it wouldn't matter if you die a coward or bravely. If you died either way, your loved ones and everyone else would forget about you and move on in less than a year.

[@vensonmartha8783]

"Sh!t happens,we're fighting"❤. Life lesson 101.

[@shanemoore6793]

I like watching old willy pep videos best footwork ever.

[@davidyelbert4470]

Hey Mike, try bass-boosting you audio a bit in the future, Cliff's voice sounds waay lower than yours and it's hard to understand him sometimes. I have to up the volume and then you're screaming in my ear (and I only need that in your workout vids ^^)

[@thatconservativetrucker1292]

The straight right has a refractory period 😂 that make me chuckle. Love the video!

[@paulhutchinson9525]

You also have to be careful with moving to the lead side so you don't catch the check hook as well..If someone leans back on it like they are supposed to then it can hurt just as much as a right hand.

[@KEVVIE37]

Very informative and Cliff insight on in fighting is spot on as well.

[@grayalun]

This is great advice they get momentum if you do, lateral movement is the only way.

[@shadymilkman443]

Yea I wanna see some footwork vids. And can't wait for tyson

[@JakBarker]

The pivot works too. Great video

[@lollol-rp7bq]

Please more it is very important 👍🏼🇩🇪

[@MrSwantonDude]

"I'll never be able to go backwards as fast as he can go forward" Mike never learned the Korean back dash

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Exactly

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Tekken for ever! (I actually have never played Tekken lol)

[@user-fg7kk1kn6b]

Hey man, you said you have a hard time with the pivot. Im kind of good at it. Maybe i can give you tip. First, just try pivoting, dont do the extra side step, makes things slower. Or if you have problems with the momentum if it, because you are not used to pivoting, you can try it by rolling then pivoting at same time. But technically, i don't use pivot to evade punches. I use it to change angle for counters. I use to evade, block or parry first before the pivot. Or if im on pure offensive, i pivot to delay thr opponent's adjustments and counter I know, if you cant get the feel of it, try making someone hit you in the ropes, or corner. Dont hit back, just stay on defence. It is part of a trained fighters nature to pivot your way out of it. Because it is really hard to just side step on a straight line in those situations.

[@eduardoperi9897]

totally unrelated to the topic of the video but the way you taught how to slip punches by pushing elbow to opposite knee made me realize i have been doing it wrong for a whole year lmfao, i knew something was missing!

[@ruser0084]

At 5:47 that stepping and pivoting technique is widely used in karate so they might have a proper name for it in Japanese but then they just might use the term mawaru (rotate)

[@umgeburstet8161]

3:40 yes, can only recommend a good switch body kick counter against slippery small sidestep spammers

[@francescolapietra930]

Question: when does it stop being ring management and footwork and becomes running away? Im kinda tall for my weight class so i usually have a reach advantage, so i like to stay on the outside and rely on my jab and my cross, long punches, to negate shorter opponents entry in the pocket, especially if theyre not too technical. Would like to hear your opinion on this

[@marceldouwstra5847]

Good question.. I'm not tall but my range management usually allows me to just stay out of range and counter. But when they do start to cover distance I do tend to take a step back and reset. Circling out when I need to. Is that bad? Is that just a style thing?

[@driver3899]

Running away is when they dictate your movement, footwork is when you dictate your movement

[@gigantycznejabko9362]

It’s footwork managements as long as you’re winning because of it ;)

[@chriswindham1822]

I personally have a strong jab and long arms. "In and out"works for me. If you blade stance more often (I do), it's better for in and out movement. I hope I'm not making assumptions, but mike prob has a more muy thai base, so he prob squares his stance more. "In and out" isn't advantageous for a squared stance.

[@marceldouwstra5847]

@@chriswindham1822 I definitely don't do the "karate style in and out". I do have a boxing/mma stance.

[@celticfclad1]

Very good video, gives you that little reminder of things to think about

[@davej9554]

Side kicks work but I do agree that angles are far more effective than fencing footwork. Most people who do that usually come from some sort of point fighting background and while it is good for making you evasive, if your opponent has good footwork and knows how to cut you off then you will easily be cornered and beaten in a full contact arena if that’s all you have.

[@chriskintner5173]

Epic info Mike. Respect to you brother.

[@mr28086]

Yes please do a video on the skip or shuffle step. I remember writing you a message on IG about it.

[@paulstill2181]

This guy is always helpful

[@groovenpeace4654]

Thanks for that.

[@shanemoore6793]

Don't worry about slipping & side stepping to set up the right right slip jab & pivot @ the same time & put the right hand chest high right behind it icy mike.

[@thedrycleaners3086]

I feel bad for all the new viewers who don't get the leg muscle and sidekicks don't work references

[@snazdogdbfan251]

Shane says that sometimes

[@ben-arte8936]

Gotta disagree with you on this one. Cutting angles on the inside is an *additional* layer of footwork, but it's not a replacement for proper in/out movement. There is a way to retreat safely and in balance. Just like you occupy their guard to cut an angle, you can occupy their guard to retreat, creating that space and safely leaving the pocket. In/out movement is the foundation, pivoting and angling are movements to layer on top of it

[@ben-arte8936]

That being said, I understand coaching students to "not retreat" as a learning tool, gaining familiarity and comfort in the pocket

[@stevewaters1516]

Congratulations on learning karate mike n explaining basic kata