Boxing Techniques – Use the Right Guard!

What position should you place your hands when in your boxing stance?

What are the key considerations with the guarding hands in an overall boxing stance?

In this video I cover 3 boxing techniques for the configuration of your guarding hands to make you as effective as possible for both boxing defence and boxing offence.

1. Conventional guard at long range – The lead hand is held 6 inches in front of the face and the back hand touches the cheek. The hands are in the perfect position to block and parry long range straight shots and at the same time are in the most efficient position to deliver your own long range punches.
2. Extended lead arm at long range – Eastern European in origin, the lead hand is more extended acting as a feint and tempting shots from the opponent. This is regularly used by counter punchers. It’s important to be willing to take half a step back in order to deliver your own shots.
3. Conventional guard at close range – I also refer to this as ‘Double Cover’ and it really is the guard to use up close. The 2nd knuckles should touch the forehead above the eyes and visibility must be maintained by peering through the gloves. This guard at close range is not only safe but it’s also efficient in blocking shots to the body.

It’s probably worthwhile covering another of a number of similar boxing techniques called the shoulder roll, also referred to as the Philly Shell.

This is where the lead shoulder provides defence on one side, the lead arm drops to cover the body and the rear arm stays tucked in to the cheek to provide further defence.

A key point is that you should vary your guard position depending upon tactics, style of opponent and conditions of the fight.

Cheers

Fran

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