Become Fighter
The game plan and the corner: Kickboxing guide
Build a plan around your strengths, and learn to take instructions between rounds.
A game plan is a short list of things you will do, based on what you do well and what your opponent does badly. It has a main plan and a back-up. It is not a script and should not take more than a minute to explain.
Your corner is your second set of eyes. They see what you cannot, and a good corner gives one or two instructions per break. Practise listening, not arguing, and learn to respond in the next round.
Key points
- Build the plan from film: what does the opponent do under pressure, with their lead leg, when tired?
- Plan A uses your best weapons. Plan B is what you do if A is not working.
- Rehearse the plan in sparring until it is natural.
- In the corner, listen to one voice only. Answer yes or no and take a breath.
- Between rounds, drink, breathe and let the corner speak. You do not need to talk.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Overplanning. Keep plan A and B short. A long plan collapses under pressure.
- Ignoring the corner. They see the fight from outside. Listen and apply one instruction.
- Changing the plan after the first exchange. Give it time. Change only if it clearly fails over a full round.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Fight craft module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Fight craft
- Round strategy and scoring: Kickboxing guide
- Fight week and nerves: Kickboxing guide
- Fight day warm-up: Kickboxing guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.