Boxing is not just a physical game; it also requires mental strategy. A crucial part of this strategy can be whether or not to switch stance. So, is it okay to switch stance in boxing?
Switching stance in boxing, from orthodox to southpaw or vice versa, is perfectly acceptable and can be a tactical strategy to confuse an opponent. However, it requires exceptional skill and practice, as each stance has its own strengths and weaknesses that need to be mastered.
Now that we know it’s okay to change how you stand in boxing, let’s dive in and learn more. We’ll look at the good and bad points of this move, and see how some of the best boxers have used this to win their matches.
The Pros and Cons of Switching Stance
Switching stance in boxing, or “switch-hitting,” can change the flow of a fight. It’s a way to surprise your opponent and keep them guessing. But it’s not all good news; there can be downsides to switching stance too. Let’s look at the good and the bad.
Pros:
- Confuse the opponent: the good things about switching stance are pretty exciting. First off, it can confuse your opponent. If you keep changing your stance, your opponent will have a hard time figuring out what you’re planning.
- More attack angles: switching stance also means you can throw punches from different sides. This can take your opponent by surprise, as they might not see these punches coming. Plus, changing your stance can make it harder for your opponent to land their punches.
- Covering distance: if your opponent is good at moving around, or if you have shorter arms, switching your stance can help you reach them. It can also let you throw different combinations of punches. This makes you harder to defend against.
- Unfamiliarity advantage: another good thing about switching stance is that it can throw off your opponent. Most boxers are used to fighting someone who uses an orthodox stance. So, if you can switch to a southpaw stance, it can really mess with your opponent’s plans. Lastly, switching stance can make you more nimble on your feet.
Cons:
- Your main stance won’t be as good: switching stance can also have its downsides. For one, it can stop you from getting really good at your main stance. If you’re always switching stance, you won’t have as much time to practice your main stance.
- Energy consumption: switching stance can also tire you out. It takes a lot of energy to keep changing your stance, and it can slow you down. This can make it easier for your opponent to land their punches.
- Power and accuracy reduction: When you switch stance, you might not be able to punch as hard or as accurately. This is because it can be tricky to get used to a new stance. Plus, if you’re not careful when you switch stance, you could get hit. Your opponent might catch you off guard while you’re in the middle of changing your stance.
- It takes longer to get good: finally, switching stance might not help as much as you’d think. Many of the skills you learn in one stance don’t always carry over to the other stance. This means you might have to spend extra time training to get good at both stances.
How to Switch Stance in The Ring
There are several methods to switch your stance in the ring. First things first, you need to ensure there is enough space between you and your opponent. Doing so will avoid getting caught while switching, which can put you in a tough spot.
One method to switch your stance is the simple shuffle. Just like you see in martial arts like Taekwondo, you quickly shuffle your feet and land in a different stance. This method is quick but takes a good bit of energy.
Another method to switch your stance and create some distance from your opponent is to pivot on your back foot. Keep your lead foot steady as you do so. You can keep yourself safer by keeping your lead arm out as a post to measure the distance, and switch hands as you switch stance.
If you want to switch stance but also want to get closer to your opponent, you can try one of two methods. The first involves pivoting forward on your lead foot. This will bring your rear foot forward, allow you to cover the distance, and put you in the opposite stance. Make sure to keep your lead hand out in a long guard position to maintain a safe distance.
The second way to close the distance while switching is to do it while throwing a punch. This method, known as shifting, allows you to use the momentum of a punch to switch stance. For instance, if you throw a hook from an orthodox stance with your right hand, let the momentum carry your right leg forward. By the time the punch lands, you should be in a southpaw stance.
Shifting is a powerful tool. You can use it to chase down your opponent, often off of rear-hand strikes. You can even use a series of shifts to switch stance multiple times and cover a lot of distance. This method also adds more power to your punches.
Before you try switching stance in a real fight, it’s important to practice in a controlled environment like training or sparring. This helps you build up the muscle memory and coordination needed to switch your stance smoothly and effectively.
Also, always remember to keep your guard up and maintain a good defensive posture when switching your stance. You’re most vulnerable to counterattacks during the transition, so staying defensive can protect you.
Famous Switch Hitters in The Ring
Many boxers prefer to stick with one main stance, but a select few have become famous for their skill at switching stance. If you’re interested in learning how to switch stance, watching and studying these switch-stance boxers is a great way to start.
Roy Jones Jr., a right-handed boxer, was known for often changing his stance to throw off his opponents. Similarly, Oscar De La Hoya, though left-handed, fought from an orthodox stance.
Among the most renowned switch hitters, Marvin Hagler stands out. Hagler was famous for his ability to alter his stance by moving his dominant left foot strategically, allowing him to dodge tricky situations, escape corners, or evade a charging opponent. Hagler demonstrated the effectiveness of stance-switching, but one contemporary fighter has truly caused a surge in the technique’s popularity.
Terrence “Bud” Crawford, known for his equal knockout power and agility in both his right and left hands, is one of the best stance switchers in boxing history. He has the impressive ability to fight entire rounds in one stance, then seamlessly switch to another in the next round, adjusting based on what would trouble his opponents the most.
Which Stance is Better: Orthodox or Southpaw?
Some people say that southpaws have an edge in fights. Let’s look at why.
You’ve probably seen fighters standing toe-to-toe in the ring. When both fighters use the same stance, we call this a “closed” stance. But when one fighter is a southpaw and the other is orthodox, it’s called an “open” stance. This is where things get interesting.
In an open stance, both fighters can throw stronger punches to the body. But southpaws might have a bit more luck here, because their strong left can aim for the liver, which is on the open side.
Not only that, but an open stance also gives both fighters new ways to attack. However, southpaws may find it easier to take advantage of these new angles. Why?
Well, since most fighters are right-handed, left-handed fighters end up facing them all the time. This means they get a lot of practice in these kinds of match-ups. On the other hand, right-handed fighters don’t get to face left-handed fighters as often, so they may find it a bit trickier.
However, having a southpaw advantage doesn’t mean left-handed fighters always win. Every fight is different, and the outcome depends on the fighters themselves, not just their stances. For example, the famous boxer Bernard Hopkins, who fights orthodox, is known for being excellent against southpaws.
But at the end of the day, both orthodox and southpaw fighters can be successful. There are legendary boxers who use both stances, as well as those who switch between them. So, it’s not about which stance is better—it’s about who’s the better fighter overall.
The choice between Orthodox and Southpaw stances heavily depends on what feels right for you and the requirements of your specific match. Both styles bring their unique benefits to the table. Understanding these nuances can equip you with the knowledge to leverage them to your advantage in the boxing ring.
Can A Fighter Be Both Southpaw and Orthodox?
Can a boxer use both southpaw and orthodox styles? Yes, they can, but it’s not as easy as it seems.
If you’re a young boxer and want to learn both styles, a good trainer would tell you to first get really good at one style before trying the other. Boxing isn’t simple, and trying to do everything at once could make you average, not great.
You need to be really good with one style first before you try something new. Boxers like Marvin Hagler or Terrence Crawford didn’t get amazing overnight. They spent a lot of time and hard work to get to mastery.
If you’re ready to be patient and put in the time to train, then you can learn to switch styles in the ring.