Mixed Martial Arts - Training Drills To Improve Balance

Mixed martial arts training drills usually focus mainly on the development of speed and power, but very few sessions focus on balance. Balance can spell the critical difference between winning and losing. Good balance improves your striking technique and footwork, particularly grappling, and strengthens your core, it also assists in injury prevention as your muscles are able to deal more effectively with the pressure of high intensity work, and also enables a fighter to be better self-controlled which results in better control of the opponent.

Balance training should not completely replace a specific technique workout. Instead, it should be added as supplement, just like ten minutes of a few balance exercises before a training session can make a huge difference.

Here are three balance exercises that you can do:

One Leg Stand: Stand on one leg, then stand on the other. You will wobble at first, but as you get accustomed to the exercise you will improve fast. When this becomes to easy you can vary the stance by adding a tilt to your body, or putting one arm out to the side.

Standing on your Hands: Try and do this for 30 seconds at first to enhance your concentration, balance and strengthen your arms and shoulders. When this becomes too easy, try walking on your hands forwards and backwards. This exercise will strengthen your core as well, after about a month of doing this exercise regularly you will see great improvements.

Eyes Wide Shut: Advanced fighters can do this by training with their eyes closed, shadow boxing, wrestling and ground fighting with eyes closed will make all your movements become second nature. This will also improve your relaxation when you are inside the cage, which as you all know is extremely important to being able to perform at the best of your ability.

By: Frankie Vargas

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Above are just a few ways for you to improve your balance, there are many more advanced techniques that you can learn but i would suggest starting off with these three exercises, simply add these to your workout program as a supplementary training method. Learn more about the most effective MMA training drills and avoid the most common mistakes most fighters make by visiting my free site at www.squidoo.com/the-ultimate-mma-workout-plan-for-all-styles