Become Fighter
Wall and cage awareness: MMA guide
Know where the fence is, and move so you are never trapped against it.
A cage is a small space. Good fighters use it: they cut off the exits and walk the opponent onto the fence. Bad fighters back up in straight lines until they have nowhere to go.
This lesson is footwork. You can practise it alone against a wall or in the middle of a room with a marked boundary.
Key points
- Know your distance to the fence by feel. Do not look.
- Circle off the fence along the side your lead foot points to, not straight back.
- Keep your hands up and your stance wide while you move.
- Pivot instead of backing up. A pivot changes the angle and takes you out of the corner.
- Cut off an opponent's circle with your lead foot rather than chasing.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Backing up in a straight line. Circle or pivot. A straight retreat ends at the fence.
- Looking over your shoulder for the fence. Feel it with your heel. Keep your eyes on the opponent.
- Chasing the opponent around the cage. Cut the angle with your lead foot and let them walk into your range.
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 The clinch module of MMA foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from The clinch
- Clinch position and posture: MMA guide
- Balance and head position: MMA guide
- Underhooks, overhooks and pummeling: MMA 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.