This video lesson covers the Round the Corner drill. It helps you take the best angle for attack and defence in one go. Take the time to drill it at all levels, and add it to everything that you do.

It suits boxers, martial artists and self-defence students, because the problem it solves is the same in every style: how to get out of the line of fire and into a place where you can hit back.

Why Angles Win Fights

Standing directly in front of someone is the most dangerous place to be. Both of you can hit each other with everything. The moment you move round the corner, onto an angle, that changes. Their weapons are no longer pointing at you, but yours are pointing at them.

That is the whole idea behind this drill. You are not just avoiding the attack, and you are not just attacking. You are doing both at once, by moving to the right place.

What The Drill Teaches

Working round the corner teaches you to:

  • Move your whole body off the centre line, not just your head
  • Turn as you move, so you end up facing your opponent from the side
  • Keep your balance and guard throughout the movement
  • Land in range to strike straight away

The defence and the attack should feel like one movement. If you move away and then have to step back in, you have wasted the angle.

Common Mistakes

  • Moving too far: you end up out of range and have to start again
  • Not turning: you get off line but face the wrong way
  • Crossing the feet: your balance goes and so does your power
  • Dropping the hands: the angle protects you, but only if your guard is still there

How To Practise It

Begin slowly, on your own, so you learn the footwork pattern. Then take it to a partner throwing a simple attack and make sure you are actually off the line. Add a counter. Then add speed, then vary the attacks. Work both directions so you are not stuck going one way.

Drill it at every level, from slow and technical to fast and intense, and keep adding it to your bag work, pad work and sparring until it happens without thinking.

Take It Further

Angles and footwork are built into my Learn To Box Online Course from the very first lessons. If you would like personal feedback on your movement, my Private Mentoring is the most direct way to get it.