There are two primary stances that dominate: Orthodox and Southpaw. Both of these have their unique strengths, challenges and strategic advantages. Whether you are aiming to outmanoeuvre your opponent, maintain impenetrable defence or land precision strikes, these stances lead you to boxing mastery.
In this blog, we will uncover both stances and see what makes each one of them special. By the end, you will not only know which stance is best for you but also why this choice can define your success.
Related Article: Boxing Stance For Beginners
What is an Orthodox Stance?
Orthodox stance is a go-to choice for right-handed fighters. Leading in popularity, mastering this stance is your golden ticket to explosive punches, rock-solid defence and unmatched balance.
Breaking Down the Orthodox Stance
Orthodox stance is all about positioning and precision. To position yourself in this stance, your left hand and foot lead the charge, setting up a strong foundation for defence and quick jabs. Behind them, the right hand and foot are locked and loaded, ready to deliver a thunderous cross. This stance combines offence and defence perfectly, making it critical for boxing fundamentals.
Key Features of the Orthodox Stance
There are certain key features of the Orthodox boxing style techniques that make it a favourite among champions. Let’s dive deeper into it:
- Right Cross
The backhand is the star of the show in Orthodox stance. Positioned at the rear, it builds momentum and delivers punches that rock the opponent. Whether a straight cross is aimed at your opponent’s guard or a knockout hook timed perfectly, the right hand in this stance becomes a lethal weapon.
And if you think it is just about force or precision, it is more than just that; it is about capitalising on your openings and controlling the fight’s pace. However, in order to land powerful crosses, choosing the right boxing gloves is essential. Make sure you choose one that is designed for unmatched comfort and protection during intense sparring.
- Left-Hand Agility
While the right hand brings the thunder, the left hand is responsible for delivering strong jabs. As a multitasking marvel, the left hand is capable of delivering sharp jabs to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
It also serves as your first line of defence, parrying incoming strikes and keeping control over the distance. This keeps your opponent guessing, ensuring you always keep the upper hand.
Who’s Rocking the Orthodox Stance?
If you are a right-hand dominant, you will find the Orthodox stance to feel like a second nature. Many boxing and MMA legends like Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather and Khabib Nurmagomedov have gotten impeccable in their craft by using this reliable setup.
Pros and Cons of the Orthodox Stance
There are several pros and cons to this double-edged sword. Let’s have a quick look at why you should and shouldn’t practise this:
Pros
- Defence: The Orthodox stance naturally safeguards your most vulnerable areas, keeping you protected from fierce strikes.
- Easy for beginners: For right-hand fighters, this will almost feel intuitive, laying a stronger foundation to build your skills.
- Balance: This position allows for a flawless mix of offence and defence.
Cons
- Predictable: Since the stance is so common, seasoned opponents can easily anticipate the fighter’s moves.
- Left-hand limitation: While the stance is quick and defensive, the left-hand lacks the knockout power.
What is a Southpaw Stance?
Southpaw stance is a rare gem used by fighters who favour their left hand as their power side. Known for its rarity, it is a nightmare for opponents accustomed to orthodox nature. Whether you are naturally left-handed or seeking a tactical edge, the Southpaw boxing techniques offer a blend of strategy, creativity and power.
Positioning
Southpaw stance flips the conventional setup with its unique positioning. To set up your stance, your right foot and right hand take the lead, taking charge of the range and setting the attacks. The left hand and left foot are positioned at the back, ready to unravel devastating crosses and hooks.
This reversal of roles caters to left-handers specifically and forces most Orthodox opponents to adapt to an unfamiliar fighting style, snatching their edge.
Key Features of the Southpaw Stance
Let’s look into the key features that make the Southpaw stance very special:
- Strong Left Cross and Jab
The left hand in the Southpaw stance is a pure powerhouse which helps deliver explosive crosses that can easily turn the tide of a fight. Combined with precise jabs, it becomes a dual-threat weapon which keeps opponents at bay while unleashing furious combos. To master these explosive left crosses and jabs, solid wrist support is key, therefore, make sure you support it with durable hand wraps that promote flexibility.
- Emphasis on Angles and Creativity
Southpaw fighters are masters of creating angles. They position themselves slightly off-centre from the Orthodox opponents so that they can exploit openings and land punches from unanticipated directions. This approach frustrates the opponents and allows Southpaw fighters to control the pace and rhythm of the fight as per their needs.
Related Article: How to Jab Cross in Boxing
Who Uses the Southpaw Stance?
Southpaw fighters are a rare breed. There are very few boxers who adopt this stance which is precisely what makes it so effective. Boxers like Manny Pacquiao, Oleksandr Usyk, and Terence Crawford have used the southpaw stance to leverage the unpredictability to a great effect.
Pros and Cons of the Southpaw Stance
While the advantages of southpaw in boxing are evident, there are a couple of disadvantages that you must know before you choose the stance you wish to follow:
Pros
- Unpredictable: Southpaw fighters use angles and rhythm which is unfamiliar for Orthodox fighters, leaving them in an endless struggle.
- Control: The stance allows for precise control over the offensive and defensive angles, giving you the edge.
Cons
- Require honed skills: The Southpaw stance demands accurate footwork and timing to maximise the effectiveness.
- Southpaw vs. Southpaw: When matched against a Southpaw, the advantages of the stance can dwindle, leading to an evenly matched fight.
Key Differences Between Orthodox and Southpaw Stances
The Orthodox stance vs. Southpaw stance is a debate that represents two distinct approaches. Understanding the key boxing stance differences is inconsequential to help fighters outsmart their opponents.
Dominant Hand Usage
The most obvious difference is the power hand in Orthodox vs. Southpaw, determining the hand which takes the lead and the one which delivers power. Fighters adopting the orthodox stance rely on their right hand as the power hand. The left hand is positioned in the lead which excels in defensive manoeuvres and quick jabs. Southpaw stance adopters, on contrast, reserve this script. Their left hand takes the power, while the right hand leads with agile jabs and setups.
Angles of Attack
Southpaw stance truly shines in the compartment of angles. When it comes to left-handed boxers vs. right-handed boxers, Southpaw fighters often have the upper hand due to their ability to position themselves slightly off-centre from their Orthodox counterparts.
This forces the Orthodox fighters to adapt to punches and footwork coming from unfamiliar angles when fighting against a Southpaw. Their traditional guard and movements leave openings that an experienced Southpaw can very easily exploit.
In a nutshell, Southpaw fighters thrive in these matches. Their lead hand and foot positioning let them control angles, sneak in punches and capitalise on the opponent’s discomfort with the stance. This leaves unprepared Orthodox opponents in a maze, making Southpaw a strategic wildcard.
Common Combinations
Both stances have signature punch combinations which further highlight their differences. Orthodox fighters rely on classic combos like jab-cross or right uppercuts, using their dominant hand for powerful follow-ups.
Southpaw fighters lean on the right jab-left cross combo, extending an element of surprise with their rear-hand power punches. They also emerge victorious in counterpunching with their unconventional angles which catches the opponents off guard.
Advantages and Challenges of Fighting Against Each Stance
Facing an Orthodox or Southpaw brings its own sets of opportunities and obstacles. Here is a breakdown of the challenges and advantages for each matchup so that you enter the ring fully prepared.
Facing an Orthodox Fighter
Orthodox stance is the most commonly encountered which poses certain advantages for the Orthodox fighters and disadvantages for the Southpaw fighters.
Fighting against Orthodox fighters makes the fight predictable and familiar. Since they train extensively against others in the same stance, it is easier to anticipate the next move and counter it. The shared style reveals the common strategies that give a solid edge to the opponent.
Another advantage is the galore of training partners as there is a majority of boxers who adopt the Orthodox stance. The abundance of sparring partners makes way for better preparation and refinement of techniques.
At the same time, the Southpaw fighters find themselves at a disadvantage as they have to deal with consistent jabs. This usually catches the Southpaw off guard, leaving them flummoxed.
While orthodox fighters adopt a classic approach, it can still be challenging to navigate for a less experienced Southpaw. The steady, well-practised combinations of Orthodox fighters require a robust defensive strategy.
Facing a Southpaw Fighter
When fighting Southpaw opponents, Orthodox fighters struggle with the element of surprise. This becomes a struggle for them because they are less accustomed to their positioning and attack, giving the Southpaw a strategic advantage.
Plus, they attack from unexpected angles. While it is natural for Southpaw to create unique angles with their right lead hand and left power hand, it disrupts the defensive habits of the Orthodox fighter, exposing their vulnerability to be exploited.
When it comes to the challenges faced by Orthodox fighters while facing a Southpaw, it begins with the opposite stance which requires them to constantly shift their tactics. The foot position, distance control, and punch angles all need adaptation which throws them off their game.
Southpaws excel at counterpunching which becomes another point of concern for Orthodox fighters. They perfectly utilise their angles and timing to punish Orthodox fighters for every single misstep.
How to Choose the Right Stance for You
Selecting the right boxing stance for you is a crucial decision in your boxing journey. It determines how you move, defend, and strike. There are several factors that influence this choice, but finding the right stance that suits your natural abilities and comfort level is imperative. Let’s explore how you can do that:
Natural Hand Dominance
It is important to remember that your dominant hand determines your stance. If your right hand is your power hand, the Orthodox stance is likely the ideal fit. It positions your dominant hand at the back so that you can generate explosive power for hooks and crosses while your left hand will be used for jabs and defence.
If you are left-handed, the Southpaw stance will generally favour you by positioning your left hand at the back for power advantages. However, some lefties prefer the Orthodox stance if it feels more natural for them.
To decide, it is essential to train in both stances and figure out what works best for you.
Comfort and Strength
Comfort is significant to consider when choosing a stance. It should be comfortable enough to enhance your performance rather than hinder it. Take time with both stances and pay attention to which one feels more natural during various movements like blocking, jabbing, and throwing punches.
To choose a stance, you must also assess your strengths. Analyse which stance maximises your power, balance, and agility. The right stance will feel more fluid, allowing you to move more freely and confidently around the ring.
Adaptability
Adaptability refers to the art of switch-hitting. Some fighters go beyond choosing a single stance and embrace this technique which involves switching between the Orthodox and Southpaw stance amid a fight.
Switch-hitting can confuse the opponent and pose several technical advantages your way. If you have practised both stances and found both of them to be comfortable with strong footwork, then it can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.
Coaching Input
Expert guidance must always be treasured. Professional advice from a coach or a trainer can be effective as they can analyse your abilities, strengths and weaknesses and recommend a suitable stance for you. With consistent feedback, you can refine your stance and optimise your capabilities to have a sharper edge against your opponent.
Conclusion
Choosing the right boxing stance is pivotal to triumph in the ring. Whether you favour the tried-and-true Orthodox stance or the unpredictable Southpaw stance, your choice should align with your natural abilities, comfort, and training goals.
While the Orthodox stance offers balance and defence, the Southpaw thrives on angles and surprise. Mastering your stance or embracing switch-hitting can give the much-needed strategic edge to excel in the game.
Make sure you consult a coach to refine your skills and build confidence in your foundation. Remember, your stance is not just how you stand but a bedrock of your strategy, adaptability, and power in the ring.
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