What is Orthodox Boxing Stance? How Can You Master It?

1. What is Orthodox Boxing Stance?

An orthodox stance in boxing is the standard posture which right handed boxers use, in which they keep their left hand and foot forward and their right hand and foot reserved for power shots. The left hand and foot are used for defense and jabs. This boxing stance maintains a boxer’s balance, allowing him to generate maximum power in his shots. It is also known as the primary boxing stance or the basic stance in boxing.

2. Orthodox Boxing Stance: Most Common Worldwide

The boxing orthodox stance is the most traditional and is used by 70-80% of boxers worldwide, making it the most common. It is a perfect stance for right-handed boxers because the right hand is in the rear position.

3. How to Set Up a Proper Orthodox Boxing Stance

Follow these fundamental steps to build a solid foundation:

3.1 Foot Placement

• Keep your right foot back and left foot forward.
• Keep your feet wide with the distance of your shoulders.

3.2 Angle

• Don’t keep your feet straight. Instead, turn them at 45 degree anled toward your opponent.
• Don’t stand on a straight line to avoid being unstable.

3.3 Weight Distribution

• Put equal weight on both your feet (50/50).
• Keep the heel of your back foot slightly off the ground to remain mobile.

3.4 Knee Position

• Avoid locking your knees, as it will disrupt your balance and limit your mobility.
• Keep your knees slightly bent or springy.

3.5 Hand Position: 

• Tuck your right hand against your chin to protect your jaw against your opponent’s shots and punches.
• Keep your left hand near cheeks or eye at a distance of almost 6 inches in front of your face.

3.6 Elbows & Chin: 

• Protect yourself from headshots by keeping your chin tucked down toward your chest.
• Protect your ribcage by keeping your elbows tucked in close to your ribcage.

4. Key Advantages of Going Orthodox Boxing Stance

The key advantages of using the boxing orthodox stance are as follows:

4.1 Power Generation

• It allows you to generate devastating power for hooks and crosses.
• Your hand can benefit from a full body rotation and travel a longer distance if you keep it in the rear.

4.2 Training Ubiquity

You can easily train in the orthodox stance because most sparring partners and coaches follow it. This makes technical advice and high quality train easily accessible.

4.3 Liver Protection

Your lead hand and foot are closer to your opponent’s right side, so you can punch their liver directly.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following common mistakes for an orthodox boxing stance:

5.1 Crossing Your Feet

Don’t cross your feet while moving because you will become vulnerable and off balance. This will make you an easy target for punches.

5.2 Standing Flat-Footed

Avoid keeping your heels on the ground because it will limit your mobility for punches and power.

5.3 Flaring Elbows

Keep your elbows tucked in because otherwise your ribs become exposed to body shots.

5.4 Raising the Chin

Always tuck your chin down toward your chest; otherwise, it will become a knockout target for your opponent.

6. How to Train the Orthodox Boxing Stance?

Follow the drills given below to train the orthodox stance in boxing:

6.1 Mirror Work 

Hold the stance for 3 to 4 rounds. This will allow you to build the endurance in your shoulders and legs necessary for doing the stance.

6.2 Step-and-Drag

Stand with a shoulder-width gap between your feet and move in all four directions, and move the closest foot first.

6.3 Shadowboxing

Throw punches by shifting the weight from the back to the front foot, keeping the heel off the ground.

6.4 The “Walk Off.”

Practice walking off by stepping back with your rear foot. This will allow you to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and create distance.

7. Top Orthodox Fighters

• Muhammad Ali
• Mike Tyson
• Canelo Álvarez
• Wladimir Klitschko
• Floyd Mayweather Jr.
• Sugar Ray Robinson