Stance

If a boxer is right-handed or orthodox, the left hand is the lead hand and the right hand is the rear hand. On the other hand, for a left-handed boxer or southpaw, the hand positions are reversed.

The boxer’s stance has an upright vertical armed guard with knuckles facing the ground guard. In a fully upright stance, the boxer stands with the legs shoulder-width apart with the rear foot at least a half-step behind the lead foot. Both feet are pointed slightly inward, and the right heel is off the ground. The lead fist is held vertically about six inches in front of the face at eye level. The rear fist is held beside the chin and the elbow tucked against the ribcage to protect the body. The chin is tucked into the chest to avoid punches to the jaw which commonly cause knock-outs. Some boxers fight from a crouch, leaning forward and keeping their feet closer together. The positioning of the hands may also vary, as some fighters prefer to have both hands raised in front of the face, risking exposure to body shots.

Boxers are taught to push off with their feet in order to move effectively. Forward motion involves lifting the lead leg and pushing with the rear leg. Rearward motion involves lifting the rear leg and pushing with the lead leg. During lateral motion the leg in the direction of the movement moves first while the opposite leg provides the force needed to move the body.