The Beginner’s Guide to Boxing As a Southpaw

There are two types in boxing: the orthodox and southpaw boxers. A boxer may choose to be a Southpaw for many reasons.

A comfort factor is another reason why many boxers prefer to be in a southpaw position. Because your dominant hand is often the dominant one, footwork is much easier when your dominant foot faces forward.

Southpaw boxing can be challenging at first. Many aurora co gyms teach them how to imitate the techniques of an orthodox fighter. There are many techniques that can be used but there are some techniques, angles and strategies that only southpaws can use in fighting orthodox boxers.

Stance

Let's start with the stance. A stance refers to the way you stand. Different sports use different stances. Southpaws favor an open stance when fighting an orthodox boxer. When they meet, orthodox boxers will often adopt a closed stance.

Situations in open stance are more common than those in closed. Orthodox boxers are less likely to learn how to master open stance. Because they are orthodox boxers, southpaws excel at open stances. This is the southpaw advantage.

Open stances require different footwork. To master boxing, you must be able to adapt your footwork to both angles and to the footwork.

Some boxers prefer to keep one foot on the ground, while others prefer to stand up. Both can be done, as long as you maintain a weight of fifty-fifty between your feet.

Guard

Once you've learned how to get in a southpaw position you can choose the guard you like. The basic high guard should be your first choice, but you have the option to experiment with cross-arm or extended guards.

While you load your rear-hand, the long guard will keep your opponent at arm’s length. The cross-arm protector will close the gap and allow you to safely load your lead arm.

Angle

Southpaws should look from the outside and place your lead foot on the right of your opponent's. Your opponent's guard should be split so your left hand is in the right position. Your left hand should be in line with your opponent's chin. This angle was used by Manny Pacquiao to counter an opponent’s jabs. He also used a quick left straight.

Most orthodox boxers will choose to fight from the outside. Open stance matches are dominated by the outside angle, making it crucial for the lead foot. While the dominant outside angle is the dominant, the inside angle provides punching opportunities for your jab and lead hook.

Punches

The three basic punches of a southpaw are the jab, cross and lead hook. Tony Jeffries, an Olympic gold medalist, shows you how it's done.

When throwing lead hooks or jabs, you must always keep your right foot on the ground. Rotating your hips counterclockwise can be used to make punches. Crossing requires you to do a half-step using your left foot, and then rotate your hips clockwise.

Learn more at Peak Kickboxing / Jiu Jitsu.