Ring management and the boundary

Setup

1. Mark a competition area with tape or contrasting mats. Any size works for training; check the current World Taekwondo competition rules for the official dimensions.
2. Everyone in full sparring gear: headgear, hogu (trunk protector), forearm and shin guards, groin guard and mouthguard, plus gloves and foot protectors as your federation requires.
3. Match partners by size, age and experience. The sabeom (instructor) supervises from a spot where every pair can be seen, and contact stays light and controlled.
4. Blue is the presser, red is the mover who must stay inside the line. Pairs not working wait outside the area.

How it runs

1. Stage 1, no kicks: blue walks red towards the line. Red uses small steps and side steps to turn along the boundary and get back to the centre.
2. Stage 2: blue may throw light kicks to the hogu while pressing. Red escapes with a side step or a pivot on the front foot, then resets.
3. Stage 3: once red has turned off the line, red may counter with one kick.
4. A foot over the line is a gam-jeom in this drill: the instructor calls it and the pair restarts in the centre.
5. Rounds of a length the instructor sets for the group, then swap roles.

Coaching points

• Know where the line is without looking down: check the corners and edges during every reset.
• Move at an angle, not straight back. Each straight step back takes you nearer the line.
• Pivot on the front foot to turn the presser, so now they have the line behind them.
• Pressers cut off the escape by stepping to the side red wants to go, without grabbing or pushing (both are penalties).
• Check the current World Taekwondo competition rules on crossing the boundary line and how it is penalised.

Common mistakes

• Backing up in a straight line until a foot goes over.
• Turning the back or dropping to the mat to escape pressure (avoiding and falling are penalised).
• Pushing with the hands to make space.
• Pressers chasing with the guard down.