TACTICS & DRILLS FOR PRACTICING DISTANCE MANAGEMENT

When it comes to Muay Thai, distance management is a crucial skill that can often determine the outcome of a fight.

Some of the best fighters in the game, like Saenchai and Nong-O, are known for their incredible ability to control distance, using it to dictate the pace and flow of the match. They masterfully combine footwork, timing, and awareness to stay just out of reach while landing their strikes, effectively frustrating their opponents.

In this article, I’ll share some strategies and drills that will help you enhance your distance management, allowing you to take control in the ring.

UNDERSTANDING THE DISTANCE

Before diving into drills, it’s essential to understand the different ranges in Muay Thai and the tactics you can employ at each range:

1. Close Range:
   This is where the clinch happens and strikes like elbows and knees are effective. In this range, your goal is to get in tight on your opponent to limit...

3 COMMON FAULTS NOVICES SHOW IN PAD WORK

By Daniel Nguyen

Hitting pads and putting in mitt work is one of the foundations of learning Muay Thai.

There is going to be a lot of both, and it won’t always be easy. It’s simple to see red and lose sight of the big picture when it comes to someone holding up a target (that’s literally red oftentimes).

Everyone can learn how to smash pads and finish up a combo sequence, but it’s smart delivery and good striking habits that separate novice from vet.

Here are the three common pitfalls beginners may be developing as they smash pads:

Fault: Poor Footwork & Crossed Feet

Most novices are all too eager to immediately throw a strike at any opening when an opportunity presents themselves.

Pad work drills can be like a quick game of rapid target acquisition for trigger-happy fighters (think pop-up targets at a shooting range). Unfortunately, this concept becomes the main concentration...