Advanced Switch Hitting: Switch-hitting is a cutting-edge idea that can completely change your MMA game. Due to the greater intricacy and training time needed, switch striking is sometimes avoided by beginners. However, even a fundamental knowledge of Advanced Switch Hitting may improve your defence and assist in setting up knockout smashes.
Changing Position at a Distance
At a distance, changing your stance might help you set up new angles and stop some of your opponent’s blows. With this initial exercise, you will be able to fake direction changes and circle your opponent in any direction, which will help you lure them into counterattacks or open up space. Lay down a pad or any other object that your opponent can use as a point of reference. After that, you’ll be going around it in circles while reversing direction sometimes. In reality, the footwork consists of two side steps and a slight pivot. This footwork pattern should be repeated three times, beginning with a move towards your lead side.
You do three pivots, change your stance in a quick, explosive move, and then take three steps backwards. After doing two side steps, you turn to face your lead side. You change your posture once more after two reps, this time in favour of your lead side.
You can change stances and orientations on your own after becoming used to the fundamental practice. Coach Barry Robinson demonstrates this in his own shadowboxing in the video extract. This kind of movement might hinder your adversary from positioning takedowns off your lead leg and make it more challenging for them to deliver low kicks.
You might also be interested in reading this: A Complete Guide On Double Guard Pull-In BJJ
Switching While Moving
Changing stances while moving is a very efficient strategy to gain distance from your opponent. Many ancient martial arts use this stance-changing manoeuvre while moving, and MMA uses it as well. One specific instance of its application is to resist an opponent’s effort to take you down on one leg. Throw an uppercut while taking a stride backwards with your lead leg from your original backside. This will eliminate the target of your previous lead leg and deliver an uppercut to the chin of your opponent.
Fitzsimmons Shift
A move called the Fitzsimmons Shift combines striking with forward-shifting steps. Watch the Fitzsimmons Shift demonstration and explanation in the video above. This method, made famous by the renowned boxer Bob Fitzsimmons, is utilised to narrow the gap and deliver deadly body or head blows. Fitzsimmons has the distinction of being the lightest man to win the heavyweight championship in boxing. Starting the actual technique, you throw your back cross towards your opponent.
The Fitzsimmons Shift is a technique that combines striking with moving forward. Watch the video above for a description and demonstration of the Fitzsimmons Shift. This technique, made popular by the legendary boxer Bob Fitzsimmons, is used to close the distance and land lethal body or head punches. Fitzsimmons holds the distinction of being the smallest man to ever claim the heavyweight boxing title. You toss your back cross towards the direction of your adversary to begin the real technique.
Karate Blitz
The Cuban boxing moves used in the Karate blitz mimic contralateral punches. With your knees slightly bent and a broader stance, this method works well. Start by throwing your back straight. You will next step through with your back leg and deliver a lead straight punch. You will briefly adopt the opposing position as a result. Step through with your new rear leg and throw a straight punch with what is now your lead hand. You should now be in your initial position.
Finish the blitz by stepping through with your back leg again, this time at a 45-degree angle as opposed to straight ahead. Your body will be in a commanding position relative to your adversary as a result. The Karate blitz is effective for catching opponents off surprise since it may go a long distance rapidly. Attempting a takedown or covering, and then responding with a powerful punch once the blitz is done are common strategies to deal with this tactic. Keep your centre of gravity low as you blitz to escape the takedown.
By adopting a good boxing technique for your punches and keeping your chin tucked between your shoulders, you will be better able to avoid a counterpunch from your opponent. See how Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson skillfully illustrates how to implement this strategy in the video above.
Superman Jab
Watch Ajarn Phil Nurse, GSP’s Muay Thai teacher, demonstrate and explain the Superman jab in the video below. The great George “Rush” St. Pierre is credited with popularising the move. The already stated Karate blitz and its mechanics are quite similar. Kick your lead leg back and land on your back leg as you deliver your lead straight punch to execute a Superman jab. This temporarily positions you in the oppositional posture, similar to the Karate blitz. The versatility of this technique’s follow-up alternatives is what makes it so beautiful.
A hard leg kick or a Karate blitz can be delivered just after a Superman jab. Better still, combine all three techniques by starting with the Superman jab, switching to a Karate blitz, and concluding with a leg kick. The Superman jab’s contralateral movement will confuse your opponents because most fighters use ipsilateral techniques. You may make use of this to effectively set up unusual attacks like spinning elbows. An example of how to set up a spinning elbow is to start with a Superman jab, move into a blitz, fake the rear leg kick, and end with a lead arm spinning elbow.
This article just briefly touches on switch striking in MMA. Changing stances may be incorporated into your MMA game in a variety of ways. Try the aforementioned methods out and adjust them to your own requirements.
So this is how you can increase your MMA Arsenal’s advanced switch-hitting. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
