shadow-boxing
Fighting thin air
Shadow-boxing is the practice of throwing punches at an imaginary opponent, used by boxers to warm up or practice technique without a sparring partner.
Figuratively, it describes fighting or arguing against an opponent who isn't really there—attacking positions no one holds or preparing for confrontations that never materialize: The candidates spent the debate shadow-boxing rather than engaging each other's actual positions.
Striking with closed fist
- footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
- sparringPractice combat training
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
conditioning · warmup · cooldown · speedbag · workout · cardio · endurance · practice
Insubstantial apparition
- opponentOne who contends against
- mirrorReflective viewing surface
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- airGaseous envelope surrounding Earth
solo · pretend · simulation · make-believe · invisible · mental · mimicry · imitation
Skilled lower-limb movement
- agilityQuickness and ease
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
flow · timing · speed · quickness · nimbleness · finesse · dexterity · fluidity
Forming mental or graphical images
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- readinessState of being prepared
- focusConcentrated attention point
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
discipline · warmup · loosening · timing · pacing · breathing · concentration · centering
punching
Striking with closed fist
- footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
- sparringPractice combat training
- drillsRepetitive training routines
technique · conditioning · warmup · cooldown · speedbag · workout · cardio · endurance · practice · routine
phantom
Insubstantial apparition
- opponentOne who contends against
- mirrorReflective viewing surface
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
air · solo · pretend · simulation · make-believe · invisible · mental · mimicry · imitation · rehearsal
footwork
Skilled lower-limb movement
- agilityQuickness and ease
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
rhythm · flow · timing · speed · quickness · nimbleness · finesse · dexterity · fluidity · stance
visualization
Forming mental or graphical images
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- readinessState of being prepared
- focusConcentrated attention point
strategy · discipline · warmup · loosening · timing · pacing · breathing · concentration · centering
martial
Relating to warfare
- fightingEngaging in physical conflict
- pugilismArt of fighting with fists
- sparringPractice combat training
bout · ring · stance · guard · offense · defense · counter · strike · punch · dodge
shadow-boxingprizefight
Professional boxing match
title fight · boxing match · street fight · combat · tournament
shadow, boxing, shadows, shadowy, shadowed, shadowing, overshadow, overshadows, overshadowed