Striking - Creating Positional Openings

I've been looking at some old posts as I contemplate a site redesign (or just some organizational enhancements), I've notice a few nuggets I want to expand on. With over 1000 posts now, it's getting harder to do that without getting them organized! One that I noticed was just a picture and small caption, TDA Training: Creating a positional opening :

Creating a positional opening: The movement around the opponent (to the left) creates an opening by moving your opponent out of position. Notice Sam's right foot is in the back, not front. He cannot defend when stance is out of position.

What I was getting at there is a tactic in stand-up striking to create openings via footwork. This is characteristic of Savate, stylistically, and is a hallmark of most masters of Western boxing, too. Here are the steps (heh!):

• Use constant lateral and circular movement, usually away from the strong side of an opponent (or the rear hand/leg), and your opponent will begin to follow you.
• When ready, suddenly switch direction and your opponent will take a moment to "catch up" to your movement, and that creates a positional opening where you've gotten to the outside or inside of the opponent's guard, or you may even end up behind the opponent.
• Strike while the iron is hot, so to speak. Don't try to use this tactic repeatedly, but at intermittent periods otherwise you'll become predictable and create a counter opportunity for your opponent.

A good example of this (from Positional opening and good rear hand guard - video)

For more information:

TDA Savate Mobility and Broken Rhythm
TDA Creating a positional opening
TDA Positional opening and good rear hand guard - video
TDA Why Do We Get Hit?

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