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

Quick Answer: Orthodox Boxing Stance Basics

The orthodox boxing stance is the fighting stance in which a boxer has their left side (hand and foot) in the lead for jabs and right side at the rear for powerful punches. It is a natural stance for right-handed boxers and is the most common worldwide (around 70-80% of the general population).

For a proper orthodox boxing stance, you have to bend your knees slightly, back heel light, tuck your chin, left hand for jabs and right hand for punches, and body shots.

The stance protects the body, is easier to train, and maximizes acceleration and punching force. Avoid flaring elbows, lifting the chin, maintaining a large distance between the feet, crossing feet, and flaring elbows. Train the stance through walk-offs, shadowboxing, step-and-drag, and mirror work.

— Researched by Muneeb Maqsood
SEO Expert & Content Writer at MMA Passion

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.

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.

Some Interesting Research Facts About Orthodox Boxing Stance

The elite boxers produce much higher impact force (1897 N) in punches using an orthodox stance than in southpaw punches (1616 N). (Source)

The orthodox boxing stance is optimized for a biomechanical phenomenon known as the Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC), in which muscles load like a spring for firing. (Source)

Southpaws do not necessarily mean a higher winning ratio, and they are much more common at the elite level than in the general population (20–25% in elite vs. 10% in the general population). (Source)

The difference between an experienced and an inexperienced orthodox boxer is that the former has a shorter restoration period, which improves their recovery speed in their stance, helping them to quickly move to their original stance. (Source)

— Researched by Muneeb Maqsood
SEO Expert & Content Writer at MMA Passion

3. How to Set Up a Proper Orthodox Boxing Stance

As we often highlight at MMA Passion, 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?

According to Muneeb Maqsood, SEO expert and content writer at MMA Passion, you need to 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What Does Orthodox Mean In Boxing?

The Orthodox boxing stance places the fighter’s left side (hand and foot) forward and the right side at the rear, making it the best stance for right-handed fighters.

Q2: What Are Common Orthodox Boxing Techniques?

The important orthodox boxing stance techniques include the right cross for punching, slipping outside punches, parrying with the right hand, and the left jab for distance.

Q3: Who Are Some Famous Orthodox Fighters Boxing In This Style?

The most famous orthodox fighters are Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray Robinson.

Q4: What Is The Correct Orthodox Position In Boxing

The correct orthodox boxing stance involves bending your knees slightly, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, and minimizing the target area by turning your body slightly sideways.

Q5: How Does Orthodox Vs Unorthodox Boxing Compare?

Orthodox is the oldest, traditional, most common, and standard stance in boxing. The unorthodox stances include southpaw, Peek-a-boo, and Philly shell. Unorthodox stances, such as southpaw, have a strategic advantage over orthodox stances due to their rarity.

Q6: How To Box Orthodox Boxing Stance?

Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Step back using your right leg and turn your right and left foot at 60-90 and 30-45 degrees angles. Tuck your elbows in and keep your hands near your face to protect your face and ribs.

Q7: Which Is The Lead Arm In Orthodox Boxing?

In orthodox boxing stance, the left side (hand, arm, and foot) is kept forward for hooks, jabs, and probs.

Q8: What Is The Benefit Of Orthodox Stance With A Heavier Lead Hand For a Left-handed Boxer?

You get exceptional power in your left hook and lead jabs, such as boxers like Miguel Cotto, who fought using orthodox but were left-handed. This can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.

Q9: What Defines A Woman In An Orthodox Boxing Stance?

Both women and men must adopt the same position for a given stance, and this does not change by gender. For example, Katie Tayler uses a standard orthodox stance.

Q10: Is The Orthodox Stance For Right Handed People Only?

No, it is a natural stance for right-handed fighters, but left-handed fighters can also choose orthodox. It just depends on the boxer.

Q11:What Is The Orthodox Stance Style?

The orthodox focuses on basic, foundational, direct combinations that follow a linear progression, such as 1-2, which involves a jab followed by a cross.