
5 Ways to Close the Distance in Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a range game. The sport’s eight weapons allow you to fight long-distance attacks with strikes and kicks, medium-distance attacks with punches and knees, or close-range attacks with clinches and elbows. This versatility can often create exciting battles, such as when a kicker meets a clincher and both athletes struggle to keep exchanges in the range where they feel most comfortable.
While every style is the same, it can be incredibly difficult for a close range fighter to gain the upper hand if their opponent is adept at fighting off the back foot, especially in the early rounds when they are sharper. In this scenario, the close range fighter might lose the first few rounds by wearing down their opponent, but once they close the distance, it’s a race against time to regain the lead before the fight ends.
If you’re a close-range fighter who struggles to overcome a kicker’s long-range weapons, you’ve probably experienced many moments of frustration every time a teep keeps you out of the kicker’s range, or when your opponent slaps you with a kick and retreats every time you try to initiate a trade. If this is the case, don’t worry: we’ve come up with 5 techniques to help you quickly close the gap from long range to short range while keeping you protected from your opponent’s maddening long range weapons.
1) The “Hops”
Muay Thai hop is a simple and effective technique used to quickly close range while protecting you from your opponent’s defensive teeps.
To perform a Muay Thai jump, you need to bring your weight back onto your back foot as if you were about to teep. Then, keeping your hands tight at your temples and lowering your elbows, raise your front knee up to your chest to create a shield with the boniest parts of your limbs that will protect you from your opponent’s blows, hurting them if he tries to do so. throw one.
Once you are in this position, jump up and down on the canvas so that your foot does not completely come off the mat. Once you’re within range, place your front foot back on the floor and use it to deliver a forceful knee or elbow.
While this technique is incredibly useful, a cold-minded fighter might simply step back out of reach when they see you lift your front foot. If this happens to you, it is much easier to use this technique when they are already leaning on the ropes, limiting their chances of escape.
2) The High March
The high gear is a proven technique used by Muay Khao fighters who want to quickly and safely enter the clinch zone. Much like the “jump,” a fighter using this technique will shift their weight onto one leg, close their guard, and lift their knee high up to their chest to create a defensive shield. Instead of jumping, they simply step forward and lower their foot, repeating the movement with the other leg.
This is a great option to use against an opponent who retreats when you attempt to jump, as you can continue marching and even change direction until you corner them. Just make sure to take small steps as you march, as longer steps make it harder to maintain balance and give your opponent more opportunities to exploit gaps in your shield.
3) The slide
The Muay Thai slide is essentially a feint that mimics the first movements of a roundhouse kick, causing your opponent to block as you move closer to the ground.
Starting from a point slightly out of reach, take a big step forward with your front leg, as if you were about to perform a roundhouse kick. Then drag your back leg behind you so your foot slides across the canvas as you lift your hip and lower your back arm to your hip as if you were starting to kick. You have to do it quickly so they feel the urgency to defend themselves.
If your opponent plants himself to block or receive the fake kick, there will be a moment where he will remain still. You will need to step forward, return to a balanced position, close the final gap to unload punches, ideally while your opponent is still lowering the block.
4) The Cross-Step
If your opponent is adept at staying slightly out of punching range, then a forward cross is the perfect way to quickly close ground and catch them by surprise.
Start by throwing a jab or cross combination to gauge your opponent’s reaction. If they move out of range as you move forward to strike, then you know this technique will work.
Next time you engage, throw a jab with the intent to hit him and then, knowing he will step back, throw the cross while simultaneously stepping forward with your back foot so you land in the opposite position. Make sure you don’t put too much power into the second punch, because it’s almost guaranteed to miss. Full rotation will drag your foot across your body, leaving you unbalanced and exposed.
Once you land forward in the opposite position, assess your reach. If your opponent is retreating, you can advance with a left kick to catch him as he exits or, if he is near the ropes, you can advance again to your preferred position to unload him with your weapons at close range.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of closing the gap between distances can make all the difference for short-range fighters facing experienced long-range opponents. By using techniques such as jumping, high gear, sliding and cross-stepping, you can effectively close the distance while remaining protected. With practice and strategic application, these methods will help you overcome frustrating opponents and dominate in close-quarters exchanges.
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