The boxing stance acts as the foundation for building a boxer’s career; thus, it is the most crucial element in the learning experience of a beginner for Orthodox vs Southpaw
The boxing stance varies from person to person depending upon their comfort; thus, copying the stance of your favorite player is never going to be helpful.
One has to figure out the stance that enriches their strengths rather than their weaknesses.
In this article, we have tried to offer the beginners and the confused advanced boxers or fighters the knowledge of the differences between orthodox and southpaw.
What are the Different Boxing Stances?
There are four types of boxing stances practiced by boxers; however, only two of them are preferred and practiced- they are the Orthodox and Southpaw boxing stances.
And orthodox vs southpaw generates many questions among beginners.
The proper boxing stance is an imperative technique for a boxer as it allows the maximum output power generation to deliver solid and fast punches with quick foot and body movements.
Orthodox Boxing Stance
Right-handed boxers prefer the Orthodox boxing stance for defense, range, balance, flexibility, security, stability, and mobility.
In this type of stance, the boxer has to stand on their left foot, keeping the left hand in front. This ensures placing the weaker section of the body in front of the opponent.
Southpaw Boxing Stance
The left-handed boxer should practice the Southpaw boxing stance that requires leading the right foot in front with the right hand.
This is just the mirror image of the orthodox boxing stance that is comparatively less effective.
However, the Southpaw boxing stance can sometimes scare away the opponents who mostly play an orthodox boxing stance as the punch directions are pretty unpredictable.
The goal behind keeping the weaker section of the body close to the opponent is to produce maximum energy from the lead hand that cannot be achieved by keeping it in front.
Difference Between Orthodox and Southpaw Stance
The only significant difference between the Orthodox and the Southpaw is that the former is a boxing stance for left-hand boxers, and the latter is for right-hand boxers.
Which Boxing Stance Should I Use?
To decide on the boxing stance, you need to use it; firstly, you need to find your dominant hand.
It is pretty rare, but some people write with their right hand but have a more substantial left hand; therefore, you need to find the stronger one of the two.
A second way to find your stance is by finding the dominant eye; if your right eye is dominant, then lead the left hand and vice versa.
The dominant eye allows you to have a clearer view of your strong hand in the back while throwing punches at your opponent.
The most excellent way to discover your dominant eye is by holding one finger up in the air and covering it with an object far away.
Next, you open both eyes one by one and focus the finger on aligning it with the thing. The one that aligns with the object placed far away is your dominant eye.
After determining your dominant hand and eye, you can choose from Orthodox and Southpaw stances, in which you are comfortable. Mostly right-handed boxers use the Southpaw stance.
You’ll also get a good idea about your boxing stance when you’re practicing. When you practice with a free-standing heavy bag, you throw punches and move here and there.
You can also try this when working out with a dummy bag.
Then try both Southpaw and Orthodox, and if you notice, you’ll feel which is good for you.
Boxing Stance and Footwork
As discussed earlier, the left hand and foot play as a lead in an orthodox boxing stance, and the right hand and foot play the information for the Southpaw boxing stance.
Thus, the foot movements vary with your stance for your ease and comfort.
The feet should be apart for about the length of your shoulder. Next, you have to move the lead leg in the front and place it at a 45-degree angle with the back leg.
The lead leg foot is planted on the ground with the ball of the foot taking the weight of the whole lead leg.
Now, the heel of the back foot is to be taken slightly off the ground to offer mobility to the boxer.
The knee of the back foot is bent slightly to improve balance and enhance power. The weight of the body should be evenly distributed between the two feet to avoid compromising mobility.
However, the boxer needs to switch the bodyweight simultaneously between the two-foot while training in the beginning.
To know more about footwork, you can read this article about footwork drills for boxing.
Final Words
Boxing stance is the most precious jewel for boxers, so it should never be ignored and practiced hard for perfection.
The best way to improve and review your stance is by examining yourself in the mirror while practicing it.
But, whatever stance you use, make sure to use proper breathing techniques. This will help you to be a better boxer.
Have more questions for us? Leave a comment below, and we will get back to you asap!
