Peak Kickboxing DTC

There are two types of boxers in boxing: orthodox boxers or southpaws. For many reasons, a boxer might choose to be a southpaw. One reason is their natural left-handedness. This would put their dominant hand on the rear, allowing them to have even more power.

Another reason that many boxers prefer a southpaw stance is a comfort. Your dominant foot is usually in front of your dominant hand, making footwork easier.

Southpaw boxing can be difficult at first, with many aurora co gyms teaching them how to mimic the techniques of an orthodox fighter. Although many techniques can be used, there are certain techniques, angles, and strategies that are only applicable to southpaws in the face of orthodox boxers.

Stance

Let's begin with stance. The way you stand is what a stance is. Different sports use different stances. Southpaws prefer an open stance against an orthodox boxer. Two orthodox boxers often take a closed stance when they meet.

Open stance situations are less common than those in closed stance. As such, orthodox boxers rarely train to master it. Southpaws, on the other hand, are better at an open stance because they fight mostly orthodox boxers. This is what we call the southpaw advantage.

Open stances require different footwork and angles. Boxing requires that you learn or at least adapt to both footwork and angles in order to master the ring.

Some boxers prefer one foot on the ground while others prefer the other. You can do both, provided you keep your weight evenly fifty-fifty between your feet.

Guard

Once you have learned how to get into a southpaw position, choose the type of guard that you prefer. You should always start with the basic high guard, but you can experiment with other guards such as the extended guard or cross-arm.

The long guard will keep your opponent at arm's length while you load your rear hand. However, the cross-arm protector can close the distance and safely load your lead hand.

Angle

Southpaws should take the outside view by placing your lead foot on the right side of your opponent's. Your left hand should be in a position where your opponent's guard is split. You will line up with your opponent's chin. Manny Pacquiao used this angle often to counter an opponent’s jab by using a quick left straight.

The majority of orthodox boxers will fight for the outside angle. This makes the lead foot crucial in open stance matches. The dominant outside angle is the dominant one, but the inside angle offers punching opportunities for your jab or lead hook.

Punches

A southpaw's basic punches are the cross, jab, and lead hook. In the video, Tony Jeffries, an Olympic medalist, demonstrates how to do it. As a southpaw, you will throw your lead hook and jab with your right hand followed by your cross with your left.

Keep in mind that you should always step with your right foot when throwing jabs or lead hooks. You can also rotate your hips counterclockwise to make punches by rotating your hips. To cross, you will need to take a half-step with your left foot and rotate your hips clockwise.

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