shadow-boxed
Punched at nothing
Shadow-boxed is the past tense of shadow-box, meaning to throw punches at an imaginary opponent as a training exercise: He shadow-boxed in front of the mirror before the fight.
Figuratively, to shadow-box is to go through the motions of confrontation without real engagement—sparring with phantoms rather than addressing actual problems: The committee shadow-boxed for months without making a decision.
Striking with closed fist
- sparringPractice combat training
- footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
- jabQuick, straight blow
- combinationJoining of multiple elements
warm-up · technique · conditioning · speed · rhythm · cardio · stance · reflexes
Pre-performance practice session
- simulationImitation of real processes
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- drillHole-boring device
- anticipationState of awaiting something
preparation · strategy · scenario · role-play · dry-run · readiness · groundwork · run-through
punching
Striking with closed fist
combination · warm-up · technique · conditioning · speed · rhythm · cardio · stance · reflexes · endurance
rehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
- simulationImitation of real processes
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- drillHole-boring device
anticipation · preparation · strategy · scenario · role-play · dry-run · readiness · groundwork · run-through · mock