From: Frank Benn
Message-ID: 3EFF20A5.85D22037@NOSPAMhotmail.com
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: kickboxing / mma - Overcoming Reach
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 17:22:18 GMT

Eddie wrote:

> After sparring for the last few weeks with face cage, shin pads, and small
> gloves i've noticed that one of my biggest problems is trying to get into
> punching range with guys that are taller with much longer reach.  >From what
> i know, one of the best mma stand up guys is that short stocky Igor
> Vovsomethingorother guy.  That kinda tells me that it is possible to kickbox
> when you're short.  But how do shorter guys overcome the reach advantage?
> Are there any drills to help "close the gap"?  I often feel like im lunging
> forward which often gets me clocked... any ideas as to what i can do?

Compensating for lack of reach is usually a matter of footwork.  Range and
penetration.  Tall or short, fighters with good footwork can get in and land,
and those without it can't.

In the case of Igor Vovchanchin, his punch is the overhand right.  The reason he
lands it is the fact that he's committed.  It's about where he sets his left
foot as he's coming in.  He throws the overhand like a sledgehammer.

But since he's short for a heavyweight, he knows he can't stand in front of the
opponent and throw it.  Doesn't work that way.  You'll tend to miss, and get
picked apart on the counter.  When Igor throws the overhand right, he's going
toward you and even *past* you as he throws it.  Moreover, the overhand puts his
head in a safe position from counter-attack in many cases -- i.e. off-line.

The key for a shorter fighter to land punches on a taller opponent is the
placement of the lead foot.  When you're coming in, it has to penetrate to where
you can hit past the man.  If your lead foot isn't close enough to the opponent,
then you're just reaching with your punches and you're off balance.

From a left lead, as you come in you need to plant your left foot close to and
outside his right foot -- not in front of him.  That's your range.  That's where
you can hit, and where you have a follow-up.


Frank Benn
IFA Academy
Austin, Texas

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