in class yesterday we were practicing turning the foot when throwing a 2 or 3 etc. My large toe is in pain today and itâs clear I wonât be able to do this sustainably. When I quickly twist my foot against the ground it wrenches the large toe in a weird way. There has to be a way to do this better. While Iâm asking, my knees also donât feel good from twisting the way we were taught in class. I want even going that hard but quickly twisting the knee back and forth just isnât going to work for me, in an already see where itâs leading. I think the answer to that is to just do it in a more subtle way, not this exaggered violent knee twist motion. I am going to get more input from the instructor as soon as I can. The issue is if youâre not doing something in an exaggered way where itâs very visible, itâs assumed youâre not doing it. I see in pro fighters they use these techniques but itâs so subtle itâs hard to even see.
Avoiding toe pain
- Thread starter Kurwenal
- Start date
HighKick
Senior Master
I would need to see you motion but I suspect you are fully loaded ON your toes instead of the ball of the foot. This could cause some of your knee pain but many people need to wear knee braces. Weight and age are Huge factors on the knees.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks I am definitely not fully on the toe like a ballerina. I try to stay on the ball but the toe is still in contact with the ground and experienced friction when the foot is turned.
One thing I learned is that the method that is optimal for most people may not be optimal for you. Just playing on your own with a heavy bag is a good way to see what works best for you. Both regarding kicks and punches I prefer different stances or rootings depending on the target and direction.
Generally I prefer strong structure and rooting.
I wonder if you have too much reactionforce into the ground as you strike? If you pucnh a bith upwards like a kidney or liver short and use lost of torso and hip, I prefer to have been heel down at impact. Same when I kick. I think the rooting is superior with a heel down than the heel. Especially if you expect resistance; ie a non-yielding target. Then the harger you punch, the more backreaction into your supporting leg. And especially for me, that has some nerve issues, a ball pivot can't take anywhere close as much backreaction as my heel.
OTOH, if you have a downward arch, like hitting collarbone, or the head, there counterforce on the foot should be much less, so your ball may do, and att some benefits.
for a 2-3 boxing combo, I envision my closests match with would by 2-downward strike to collarebone (here I raise on the ball), but the follow up 3, to the liver, is upwards as i aim to hook my knuckels at lower ribs, so i have heeldown. doing this on the ball, would i think give me less power.
I minimize my ball pivoting due to my issues, and find other ways. Stepping + heel pivot, or maybe even a brif jump (halft an inch is enough). I can pivot more on my right foot than left, but its due to my issuses. These wont go away, so i have simply adapted my ways.
But it took me 2 years before i realised that what is taught in class is good for most, but not for me.
Generally I prefer strong structure and rooting.
I wonder if you have too much reactionforce into the ground as you strike? If you pucnh a bith upwards like a kidney or liver short and use lost of torso and hip, I prefer to have been heel down at impact. Same when I kick. I think the rooting is superior with a heel down than the heel. Especially if you expect resistance; ie a non-yielding target. Then the harger you punch, the more backreaction into your supporting leg. And especially for me, that has some nerve issues, a ball pivot can't take anywhere close as much backreaction as my heel.
OTOH, if you have a downward arch, like hitting collarbone, or the head, there counterforce on the foot should be much less, so your ball may do, and att some benefits.
for a 2-3 boxing combo, I envision my closests match with would by 2-downward strike to collarebone (here I raise on the ball), but the follow up 3, to the liver, is upwards as i aim to hook my knuckels at lower ribs, so i have heeldown. doing this on the ball, would i think give me less power.
I minimize my ball pivoting due to my issues, and find other ways. Stepping + heel pivot, or maybe even a brif jump (halft an inch is enough). I can pivot more on my right foot than left, but its due to my issuses. These wont go away, so i have simply adapted my ways.
But it took me 2 years before i realised that what is taught in class is good for most, but not for me.
HighKick
Senior Master
Yes, for certain, it is certainly there for balance. If the ball of the foot is the fulcrum, the big toe is the end of the lever. But if you are unduly loaded on the toe it torques and strains the ligaments (collaterals) and tendons (flexors) of the toe. If you are getting blisters on the toes and Not the ball of the foot, that is a good sign of incorrect loading.
Flying Crane
Sr. Grandmaster
What is a â2 or 3â that you are throwing?
Same Trick60 11
Master of Arts
The floor quality might be an issue one have to take care on.
drop bear115 54
Sr. Grandmaster
Right cross. Left hook.
Are you practising barefoot? If so, have you tried trying to lift your toes to at least reduce the pressure and hence adherence of your toes to the surface?
If your feet are sweaty (which increases friction), try using âOdabanâ antiperspirant on your feet to keep them bone dry! Applying a little talc to your feet will reduce the coefficient of friction too.
You might try using a foot support that firmly keeps your toes together and prevents your hallux from splaying too much.
If your feet are sweaty (which increases friction), try using âOdabanâ antiperspirant on your feet to keep them bone dry! Applying a little talc to your feet will reduce the coefficient of friction too.
You might try using a foot support that firmly keeps your toes together and prevents your hallux from splaying too much.
- Moderator
- #11
Or left cross, right hook. Can't just be assuming everyone's orthodox.
Well when throwing a hook, I can see your dilemma. Maybe wear shoes temporarily at least to allow healing or maybe tapping three toes together. You might be pushing your toe down unconsciously to create more power instead of the ball. Try not to pronate the foot as much. Just suggestions with seeing the action.
HighKick
Senior Master
I always worked from both sides.
skribs114 134
Grandmaster
According to one student I taught, the two styles of boxing are south pole and orthodontist...
Same Trick60 11
Master of Arts
Same boxing, just personall attribute - left handed or right handed, one is less common - south paw
