Is it best to step then punch or to punch as you step?

[AlexKid]

1) If you step towards your opponent and close the distance, should you mostly be stepping forward bringing the rear foot up and then punching from your stance.

2) Or should you be stepping and punching at the same time, e.g. punch as you push off, or punch after putting one foot forward and widening your stance to gain range, or stepping and turning the foot in so you start punching before your foot even hits the ground?

Option 1 seems too slow?

What do you think?

[nivek535]

1) If you step towards your opponent and close the distance, should you mostly be stepping forward bringing the rear foot up and then punching from your stance.

2) Or should you be stepping and punching at the same time, e.g. punch as you push off, or punch after putting one foot forward and widening your stance to gain range, or stepping and turning the foot in so you start punching before your foot even hits the ground?

Option 1 seems too slow?

What do you think?

depends on situation and what you're trying to accomplish.

[TheBodySnatcher]

As a general rule your feet should be set while punching. You will have more power and be in better position to get hit (whenever you punch your always in some way open to a counter). That being said their are many advanced ways of punching while moving so it's definitely possible but seeing as your asking this question that type of footwork will most likely be above your skill level at this point. Plus most beginners DO punch while moving in an INCORRECT way so your focus should most likely be on keep your feet planted. Sorry for the assumptions if their wrong.

[greynotsoold]

Co-ordinate the movements of your hands and feet, just to start. Get you movements and your balance right. Then, as was stated above, it depends what you are trying to accomplish.

[Hyper Knuckles]

Don't listen to anyone on here. Do as your trainer tells you, otherwise you're opening up a can of worms for yourself. No two persons fight exactly the same, don't expect somebody online to correctly teach you good form. If you don't have a trainer yet and are looking to join up at a boxing gym then remember this--The more pointers you "learn" on here are only going to be that much harder to "unlearn" when it comes time to actually put the right fundamentals(that work for YOU)into practice.

In theory everything sounds incredibly easy to execute. It's after you hop in the ring when someone does it better than you, or finds a way to counteract your aggression when you'll wish you had placed more emphasis on following proper drills and listening to your trainers advice. This isn't a game.. people work their asses off for this. This is a self destructive sport. You're either all in or bust kid. There is no middle ground.

[DetroitFast]

1) If you step towards your opponent and close the distance, should you mostly be stepping forward bringing the rear foot up and then punching from your stance.

2) Or should you be stepping and punching at the same time, e.g. punch as you push off, or punch after putting one foot forward and widening your stance to gain range, or stepping and turning the foot in so you start punching before your foot even hits the ground?

Option 1 seems too slow?

What do you think?

Do you train at a gym?

[Beavis_5000]

I don't think you should be stepping while throwing. Its more of a slide, that way you can keep your base.

And for example if your wanting to close distance to land a jab, you want to slide as you are throwing.

Tho this is more of a footwork question, it also deals with coordinating your hands with your feet. This is why boxers jump rope, because you have to coordinate your hands with your feet to jump rope.

Speed bag will also help.

Anyone feel free to correct me as this is a good question.