About the pivot

The pivot is an aspect of boxing that is often overlooked. The main reason pivot is overlooked is that, on the face of it, pivot isn’t a “glamorous” ability. Spinning, for example, doesn’t offer the potential for an explosive finish to a contest like a short-range left hook does. The pivot also doesn’t draw attention in the same way as evading an attack using skillful slides and ducks. Therefore, in producing this article (and the associated video) I seek to provide unequivocal proof that the pivot is the most versatile skill a boxer uses, providing options to confuse many opponents. Here it goes…

Below are three examples of the use of pivots during a boxing contest. There are many more, but I think these examples are enough to win the case and make you keep reading and learn the correct mechanics of the move:

• In front of you is a boxer who closes the ground very quickly and takes you into a close range battle. You are not comfortable and your opponent is extremely strong and powerful, looking to use force to push you back. Using the pivot allows you to nullify your opponent’s force by deflecting their line of attack without having to retreat. You are free to shoot close-range shots without having to give in to your opponent’s increased strength.
• You’re competing against an opponent who is supremely talented at retreat but doesn’t offer the same threat on the front foot. You can try to chase your opponent, cutting the ring, but be aware that by doing this you will be fighting with your opponent’s strength. Then what do you do? You take the center of the ring, keeping your position turning to follow your opponent, and are ready for the inevitable attack; by not attacking your opponent, it stands to reason that he has to attack you at some point. You are controlling your environment using the simple pivot.
• You’re fighting the retreat against an opponent whose main goal is to bring you to the ropes and crush you within an inch of your life. Given the intensity of your opponent’s attack, you are aware of the potential to achieve this destructive goal! Solution? Every time you feel the ropes brush your back, you combine a pivot with a duck and spin away from danger, leaving your opponent to strike out in the open.

I could go on, the options are vast to say the least. So I’m going to assume for now that you’re convinced of the pivot’s usefulness and versatility and are eager to know exactly how to execute this warrior’s stealth maneuver. Okay check out the mechanics and common glitches below and let me have any questions via the comments option.

The mechanics of the pivot:

To perform this top skill, follow the steps below:

To turn left:

From the boxing stance, push off from your back (right) foot and allow your front foot to rotate onto the ball. The goal is to shift our baseline (the line from the ball of the front foot to the heel of the back foot) 45 degrees. The front foot pivots in place, allowing the back foot to move to the left. The stance is maintained throughout the skill.

To turn right:

From the boxing stance, pivot your front foot on the spot and allow your back foot to come up. The same 45 degree shift occurs, only this time to the right. Don’t be tempted to allow your body weight to go over your front leg, your weight should stay in the center or on your back leg…as always!

Common faults with the pivot

There are very few mechanics that are executed when performing a pivot. For this reason, the number of commonly identifiable faults is similarly low. In fact, there is only one common fault, but it is common and it is definitely serious! All elements of the posture must be held at all times during the movement. This means you don’t crossover (with your back foot) and don’t allow your body weight to transfer to (over) your front leg.

Short range left hook, short range right hook are good shots to combine with the pivot. In terms of body movement, take a look at the duck.