Before you start this journey further into what the orthodox stance is you should ask yourself what is it that you want to achieve.
The intention is important to understand. What is it that you want and how do I get there, have two different answers?
For example, I want to be the greatest boxer of all time or learn how to fight.
That sounds amazing right!?
This is the goal, so how do we get there?
Well, you have come to the right place.
This is point A where you are at now. This article will get you closer to point B your end goal, whatever it may be - to go pro or simply look great while training in the art of boxing!
What you already know and what you will learn here will increase your chances of becoming the best version of yourself. If you know nothing yet that’s ok.
New students at any level with whatever the intention is, are welcomed.
If you think you know it all, this is not for you. We are here to continue expanding our knowledge in boxing, particularly the orthodox stance.
Welcome back to another round with boxing undefeated giving you the best content on boxing from a professional undefeated pro boxer
What Is The Orthodox Stance?
One of the first questions your coach will ask you is are you right-handed or left-handed?
The reason behind this is if you’re right-handed you’re most likely going to use the orthodox stance, which is the most common fighting position.
If you’re right-handed that makes your right side your dominant, strongest side, which you want to set up to use as your power punch.
How To Perform The Orthodox Stance?
Position your left hand in front leading with your left foot, your strong hand will be positioned in the back with your right foot behind you.
To break it down into two parts I will use front side and backside mechanics.
Front side mechanics, keep your left hand up near the face and your shoulder leading forward, angling your body inward away from your opponent to make yourself a smaller target. The front foot is pointed directly at your opponent or a small inward 45° angle.
Backside mechanics, your right hand will be pasted on your cheek with your right shoulder rotated back helping you blade your body and keep that strong hand loaded with power.
Your foot will be angled inward at a 45° angle.
Both knees will be bent slightly along with your elbows tucked in to protect your body and your head tilted forward to tuck in that chin protecting that jawline.
Here’s a quick tool to get a visual of the angles.
How Not To Perform The Orthodox Stance?
We all make these common mistakes from time to time. Beginners, amateurs to professional boxers!
- Squaring up
- Balance
- Flat feet
Squaring Up
The shoulders are turned at an angle pointing the lead shoulder at your opponent. This helps you turn your body in a way that makes you a smaller target.
This advantage is given away if you square your shoulders toward your opponent. Meaning neither shoulder is in front and your chest and stomach are now in line with your challenger.
Balance
Your feet should never line up with each other. When they do this is called squaring up the feet.
Same instance as the shoulders. One foot should be leading and the other one in the back. You can bring that back foot too far forward leading to instability.
A simple jab can knock you off balance.
Flat Feet
I never like flat feet so I’m just going to say it again. Stay light on your feet keeping you more mobile.
If your style is to stay flat-footed and trade punches, you can be an exciting fighter. This just isn’t what I recommend because you also can take a lot of punishment.
Why We Use The Orthodox Stance?
Most fighters are orthodox and when you see a lot of orthodox fighters you get a better flow in the fight.
There are fewer headbutts, less tangling of the feet, and the way you circle opponents is more natural as well.
Setting up the dominant hand behind you gives added power to your punch. Rotating the hips with the punch leverages body weight.
Important Notes
Quick tips when you face either type of opponent.
- Orthodox fighter
- Southpaw fighter
Orthodox Fighter
You will see a lot more orthodox fighters than you will southpaw.
Against fellow orthodox fighters, you will notice that the flow of the fight is easier. The angles of the punches are easier to see coming.
The angles you get out to your left and your right will be more natural.
Southpaw Fighter
Against a southpaw, your angles are all mixed up and you have to do extra work to be successful in this match-up.
Your lead foot and the southpaws lead foot will be fighting for an outside position to create better angles for your punches.
If you fight in close range you will need to watch for head butts. This just happens again because of the new angles.
The angles you get out to your left and right will be reversed. You don’t want to move in line with their power hand.
You made it to the end congratulations on being convinced that orthodox is the only stance made to succeed.
My next article will convince you why you should be a southpaw.
See you at the next one champs!