Become Fighter
Fighting a pressure fighter: Kickboxing guide
Stay on the move, stop the advance and make them pay for coming in.
A pressure fighter walks you down. They want you on the ropes, where they can throw volume and your kicks lose room. If you stand and trade, you play their game.
Your answers are distance, angle and early strikes. Stop the first step with teeps and lead kicks, move off the line when they commit and counter in the gap they leave.
Key points
- Never go straight back. A straight line leads to the ropes.
- Stop the step: teep, lead low kick or a jab as the front foot lifts.
- Circle toward your rear hand, away from their power, and keep turning.
- Land one clean shot per exchange and move out, rather than trading three.
- Use the clinch for one second to break their rhythm if the rules allow.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Backing straight up. Move off the line at a 45 degree angle. A line leads to the ropes.
- Staying on the ropes. Pivot out as soon as you touch them. Time on the ropes is time for their volume.
- Trying to out-trade them. Pick one clean shot per exchange. Pressure fighters live on volume.
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 Style matchups module of Kickboxing foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Style matchups
- Fighting a counter-kicker: Kickboxing guide
- Orthodox against southpaw: Kickboxing guide
- K-1, full-contact and other rule sets: 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.