Long before a boxer steps into the ring, they must first learn the basics of a boxing stance. This includes a natural stance that is different for each individual and a proper position of hands and feet. A successful stance begins with the right foot in front and the left foot behind.
The first step in mastering any new craft is to learn the basics. A beginner boxer needs to learn the proper stance that will allow them to move safely, effectively, and confidently around the ring. The stance occurs before any punches or other movements are made.
Proper foot placement, weight distribution, and posture are essential for a beginner boxer to avoid injury. The most common stance used by novice boxers is called “the orthodox”.
How many boxing stances are there?
Each boxer has its own stance and in boxing, there are several variations. In boxing there are 5 stances, the two most common stances are the orthodox and southpaw stances. The rest of the stances is the crouch and semi-crouch, which is not as common as orthodox and southpaw.
There is no one size fits all stance and each boxer should experiment until they find one that works for them.
Orthodox Stance
There are many different boxing stances, but the Orthodox stance is one of the most popular. It is a stance that keeps you in an upright position, allowing you to make quick lateral movements to evade punches.
Unlike the other stances, which lean forward, this stance places your body weight on your back leg. Your front foot should be pointing towards your opponent and your rear foot should be angled outwards. You can also use your rear arm to block punches coming from behind you.
Southpaw Stance
The Southpaw stance is a boxing stance in which the boxer places his right foot forward and their left behind the right. It was originally used to protect their left side from an opponent’s shot, and is still used for this purpose today.
But it is also used for other purposes such as throwing off the opponent’s timing and footwork or confusing an opponent who is expecting a conventional right-handed fighter.
Semi-Crouching Stance
The Semi-Crouching stance in boxing is used primarily to limit the opponent’s movement. It also provides an offensive aspect for this defensive posture, as a fighter may plant a foot and launch a powerful attack with a straight punch or a hook.
The semi-crouching stance allows for more mobility than a standard boxing stance because of the low center of gravity.
Crouching Stance
A crouching stance is a fighting stance where the boxer bends their knees and lowers their head and torso to present a smaller target and limit open areas. Crouching is a defensive stance used in boxing.
It has been claimed to give the user an advantage by reducing the size of their target and providing a barrier from punches thrown by opponents. The crouch can be performed with one or both hands at eye level, the knees bent, and with the body bent forward and the head down.
Wide Stance
In boxing, a wide stance is one of the most important stances to have in order to execute power punches from the body. In a wide stance, the boxer’s feet are approximately twice as wide apart as a regular stance with their left foot slightly more forward than the right foot.
A wide stance allows for a more powerful punch because it provides better support and stability while keeping the body low.
Several times in boxing, you will hear the announcer say “wide stance.” This is when the fighters stand with their feet apart, not touching. The wide stance gives the fighter better stability but the disadvantage with this stance is you have less mobility.
Wide stances are typically used for punching power because it helps distribute weight evenly and allow for more power.
Which stance is better orthodox or southpaw
It all depends on what your dominant hand is, if you’re left-handed and then the orthodox would be suitable for you and vice versa for the right-handed fighters it would be recommended to go with the southpaw stance.
Each stance has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s recommended for boxers to learn or refine their stance that they’re comfortable with and then learn the other stance.
You’ll have a massive advantage because if you’re orthodox and you face a southpaw and you practiced both stances you would know how to adapt better in the ring against the southpaw.
And the same goes for a southpaw boxer, if you practiced the orthodox stance you would have a great advantage in the ring and if you topped it with good footwork, guard, defense, and offense you’ll be ahead of your competition.
Can you switch stances in boxing?
You can switch stances as long as you have mastered the stance that you’re comfortable with, a fighter who switches stances during a fight are called switch hitters notable fighters such as Terrence Crawford, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and Naseem Hamed are known switch hitters.
Most boxers don’t switch stances to evade or confuse opponents, but must always be in a proper stance when in need of protection.
They also can’t switch their stance in the middle of a round because they risk getting knocked down by their opponent.
Some boxers like the fighters mentioned above are able to switch their stance to counter the opponent but this allows for more exposure on the other side. Boxers have to be aware of where their feet are located so they don’t trip themselves up.
They need to know what stance to use against different opponents and should start out in that stance. And if you want to be able to do all these things, you need to practice and sharpen the stances until you’re efficient!
How to improve boxing stances?
Boxing stances are the fundamental starting position for every single boxing move, so it should be practiced regularly to keep your form tight.
Beginners who are new to boxing should first choose the stance they’re most comfortable with, and practice by using a mirror. Also, you can watch pro boxers’ stance to see what you might need to improve on.
Then continue to practice with a mirror, and also remember that they’re multiple boxing stances that you can choose from. You don’t have to limit yourself to a single stance, just make sure you’re comfortable with the stance you go with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is best to find your own boxing stance. And to experiment with different stances to see what is most natural for you, and take the time to ask a coach or trainer for advice at a boxing gym or online.
