How to Close the Distance in Boxing

Boxing is a sport of inches and angles. You won't be able to score points or inflict damage on your opponent if you can't get in punching range and get combinations around or through his defenses. Closing the distance is tougher in the boxing ring if you are the shorter fighter since there is a range where the opponent can hit you while you can't hit him. Closing the distance effectively requires head movement, timing and technique.

Instructions

    • 1

      Throw your jab in combination. The jab is vital in determining how much distance you have to cross to get into effective range, and the jab also forces the opponent to defend against it. This helps prevent a counter as you step inside.

    • 2

      Move your head side to side and up and down. Mike Tyson was much shorter and had shorter reach than most of his opponents, but he could close distance quickly by bobbing and weaving as he stepped forward, making it harder for the opponent to hit him while also setting himself up for a powerful hook once he closed the distance.

    • 3

      Use your straight right hand to counter the opponent's jab. A taller opponent often will use the jab to keep an opponent on the outside. As he jabs, throw your overhand right while you slip his jab and step forward. This "breaks the jab," and the opponent should stop throwing it the more he gets countered, making it easier to get inside. The straight right also is effective against southpaws. If you are left-handed, the same principles apply but throw your overhand left instead.

    • 4

      Punch to the body as you come inside. If you're shorter, you have to reach more to get to the opponent's head. Effective body punching can help you get in and then you can punch upstairs once you have proper range.