5 boxing guards to study
5 boxing guards to study
Boxing guards are defensive stances and techniques used by boxers to protect themselves from incoming punches and minimize the impact of strikes during a boxing match. These guards are crucial for defense and play a significant role in a boxer's overall strategy and ability to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
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| 5 boxing guards to study High Guard: The high guard is a fundamental boxing guard where the boxer raises both hands to cover the head and face. The elbows are tucked in to protect the body, and the gloves are positioned near the temples or forehead. |
1. Boxing Guard Basics:
A boxing guard refers to a defensive stance or position adopted by a boxer to protect themselves from incoming punches during a boxing match. The primary purpose of a boxing guard is to minimize the impact of strikes and defend vulnerable areas of the body.
Hand Position: The boxer keeps their hands up to cover their head, face, and upper body. The positioning of the hands may vary depending on the specific guard being used, such as the high guard, low guard, peek-a-boo guard, or cross-arm guard.
Arm Placement: The boxer positions their arms and elbows to cover vital areas like the chin, temples, cheeks, ribs, and midsection. This helps to absorb and deflect incoming punches.
Head Movement: Effective boxing guards often incorporate head movement techniques such as bobbing, weaving, slipping, and rolling. These movements are used to evade punches and make it difficult for opponents to land clean shots.
Chin Tuck: Keeping the chin tucked down towards the chest is a crucial aspect of a boxing guard. This protects the vulnerable chin from direct hits, reducing the risk of knockout punches.
2. The Orthodox Guard:
The orthodox guard position is one of the fundamental stances used in boxing, particularly by right-handed boxers (those who have their dominant hand as their right hand). In the orthodox guard, the boxer positions their feet.
Foot Position: In the orthodox guard, the boxer's left foot is positioned slightly forward, with the toes pointing towards the opponent. The right foot is positioned slightly back and angled at about a 45-degree angle.
Weight Distribution: The boxer's weight is distributed evenly between both feet, with a slight emphasis on the back foot for mobility and power generation. The knees are slightly bent, ready to spring into action for defensive maneuvers or offensive strikes.
Hand Position: The boxer's hands are held up in a defensive posture, with the left hand (lead hand) positioned near the chin and the right hand (rear hand) held slightly higher near the right cheekbone.
Chin Tuck: The chin is tucked down towards the chest, providing protection for the vulnerable chin and jawline. This helps minimize the risk of getting caught with a knockout punch.
3. The Southpaw Guard:
Foot Position: In the southpaw guard, the boxer's right foot is positioned slightly forward, leading the stance, while the left foot is positioned slightly back and angled at about a 45-degree angle.
Weight Distribution: Similar to the orthodox guard, the boxer's weight is evenly distributed between both feet, with a slight emphasis on the back foot for stability and generating power in punches.
Hand Position: In the southpaw guard, the right hand (lead hand) is positioned near the chin or slightly extended outward for jabs and measuring distance. The left hand (rear hand) is held higher near the left cheekbone.
Chin Tuck: Just like in the orthodox guard, the chin is tucked down towards the chest in the southpaw guard, providing protection for the chin and jawline from incoming punches. This defensive measure helps reduce the risk of getting knocked out.
4. The Peek-a-Boo Guard:
The peek-a-boo guard is a defensive boxing stance and guard style that was popularized by legendary boxer Mike Tyson and his trainer Cus D'Amato. This guard is characterized by a unique positioning of the hands and arms, along with specific head movement techniques.
Hand Position: In the peek-a-boo guard, the boxer keeps both hands up high, close to the face, with the gloves positioned near the temples or forehead. The elbows are tucked in close to the body, providing protection for the midsection and ribs.
Chin Tuck: The chin is tucked down towards the chest, creating a barrier that shields the vulnerable chin and jawline from direct punches. This defensive measure reduces the risk of getting knocked out by powerful headshots.
Head Movement: One of the key features of the peek-a-boo guard is its emphasis on head movement. Boxers using this guard style employ constant bobbing and weaving movements, shifting their head from side to side.
5. The Philly Shell Guard:
- Stance and Footwork: In the Philly shell guard, the boxer adopts a sideways stance with the lead shoulder (left shoulder for orthodox boxers, right shoulder for southpaws) raised to protect the chin and the lead hand (right hand for orthodox, left hand for southpaws) extended outward.
- Lead Hand and Shoulder: The lead hand in the Philly shell guard is used as a "shield," extending outward to deflect jabs, measure distance, and disrupt the opponent's rhythm. The lead shoulder is raised high.
- Rear Hand and Hip Positioning: The rear hand is kept near the cheekbone or temple, ready to deliver power punches such as crosses and hooks. The rear hip is slightly turned inward, reducing the target area and making it harder for opponents to land body shots.
- Head Movement: Boxers using the Philly shell guard incorporate subtle head movement techniques, including bobbing, weaving, and rolling, to evade punches and make opponents miss.
