shadowboxer
Punches at air
A shadowboxer is someone who shadowboxes—practices fighting moves against an imaginary opponent, throwing punches at the air.
Boxers use it for training and warm-up.
Figuratively, a shadowboxer fights phantom threats or engages in combat where no real opponent exists: He's just a shadowboxer, arguing against positions nobody holds.
Insubstantial apparition
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- apparitionVisible supernatural manifestation
- specterGhostly threatening presence
- invisibleCannot be seen
ghost · mirror · reflection · silhouette · outline · figure · opponent · visualization
Quick, straight blow
- hookCurved catching device
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- glovesHand coverings with fingers
- footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
punching · sparring · stance · defense · offense · rounds · combination · bob
Pre-activity preparation
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- regimenPrescribed course of treatment
- gymExercise facility
coach · sweat · discipline · cardio · endurance · workout · exercise · technique
phantom
Insubstantial apparition
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- apparitionVisible supernatural manifestation
- specterGhostly threatening presence
invisible · ghost · mirror · reflection · silhouette · outline · figure · opponent · visualization · projection
jab
Quick, straight blow
footwork · punching · sparring · stance · defense · offense · rounds · combination · bob · weave
warmup
Pre-activity preparation
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- regimenPrescribed course of treatment
gym · coach · sweat · discipline · cardio · endurance · workout · exercise · technique · agility
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
flow · timing · pace · pattern · movement · sequence · fluidity · grace · smoothness · continuity
pugilist
Professional fist fighter
scrapper · slugger · champion · underdog · opponent · solo · solitary · lonely · disciplined · determined
shadowboxersparring partner
Practice combat opponent
prizefighter · brawler · cage fighter · street fighter · pugilist
shadowboxerpragmatist
One favoring practical approaches
realist · problem-solver · confronter · activist · crusader