Orthodox position or false paw🥊: the difference and what to choose

Hey, young boxers! Ready to unravel the little world of boxing stances with a bit of fun? Today, we're going to dig a little deeper into the mysteries of the two basic stances of the noble art: the orthodox position and the false leg. Whether you're new to the sport or already a bit seasoned, this article is here to boost your understanding and perhaps help you choose sides. Let's get to it without further ado!

Orthodox or false leg position: What is it?

First stop: the basics. In boxing, adopting a stance is like choosing your armour in battle. The orthodox position is the choice of choice for most right-handers. You place your right foot slightly behind your left, allowing you to jab with your left while preparing devastating right hands. This is the classic stance that offers stability and power, especially for finishing shots.

On the other hand, the false legIt's a bit the other way round. Here, you completely reverse orthodox logic: the left foot goes behind and the right takes the front, which is perfect for left-handers. This stance is less common, which makes it an enigma for many opponents. By using this position, you can create an asymmetry that destabilises and confuses your opponents, giving them a hard time from the very first exchanges.

See also: Complete guide to the Orthodox position

The advantages of the Orthodox position

The orthodox position is popular for a reason. It allows for a balanced approach between defence and attack. Your right hand, being the strongest for the most part, is ready to throw bombs after the left has opened the opponent's guard. This not only conserves energy by avoiding unnecessary movements, but also allows you to prepare hard-hitting combinations with surgical precision.

Coaches are also more used to training boxers in this position, which means you'll have access to a richer pool of techniques and strategic advice. In short, this is the royal road for those looking to master the fundamentals of boxing effectively.

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Why do some people choose the false leg?

Choosing the faux patte is like writing with your left hand in a right-handed world: it adds an element of surprise and originality. As a false leg, your strong hand is closer to your opponent, which can allow for direct and surprising strikes, especially if the opponent is not used to this style. This opens the door to offensive strategies that orthodox players find difficult to anticipate.

What's more, this position can give you a psychological advantage. Less experienced opponents or those who have not often faced false paws may feel uncomfortable and less confident, which can lead to mistakes that you can exploit to take control of the fight.

Strategies and match-ups

When it comes to tactics, every position has its tricks. If you are in an orthodox position facing a false leg, the idea is to play on the angle. You want to position your front foot outside his front foot to dominate the centre line. This not only allows you to protect your centre line but also to place your shots more effectively.

For false legs, it's quite the opposite. Your aim is to keep your right foot outside your orthodox opponent's left foot, giving you the angle advantage to launch powerful attacks while controlling the general movement in the ring.

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Choosing between orthodox and false leg positions

The decision between adopting an orthodox stance or a false paw may seem tricky, but it often depends on your natural preference and comfort. If you're naturally right-handed, the orthodox position might be more intuitive and easier to master. But if the element of surprise and atypical strategy appeal to you, the false paw could be your ally.

There's no single answer here, and often the best way to choose is to test both in training and get a feel for which position resonates best with your fighting style and physique. Flexibility and adaptability are assets in boxing, so don't be afraid to experiment.

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When is it time to change position?

Changing position can be a bold decision, especially if you've spent years honing your technique in one stance. However, if you feel that your opponents are starting to read your movements easily or you're looking to reinvigorate your approach, exploring the other position can inject new life into your game.

It requires a period of adjustment and can be risky in major competitions, but the long-term benefits in terms of versatility and tactical renewal can be well worth the gamble. Think of it as expanding your arsenal rather than changing your fundamentals.

Impact on defence and ring control

Defence is a crucial component in the ring, and each position offers specific defensive advantages. In orthodox, you're generally better placed to parry and counter-attack your opponent's straight punches, using your left jab as both an offensive and defensive tool. In faux patte, you can often dodge attacks effectively by shifting to the right, while using your right hand for quick counter-attacks.

These differences require you to constantly adjust your footwork and positioning to maximise your cover while preparing the ground for your attacks.

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Training and adaptation

Whatever position you choose, the important thing is to master it until each movement becomes second nature. Working with coaches who understand the subtleties of each style is crucial. They can provide you with valuable insights and technical adjustments that will transform your practice into real expertise.

Whether you're a hardcore orthodox or a daring misfit, the real work lies in your ability to adapt and evolve with the sport. Keep an open mind, be prepared to learn and evolve, and you'll find that boxing offers endless avenues for self-expression and competitive success.

Conclusion

So which camp will you choose? Orthodox or faux patte, the choice is not just a question of comfort, but also a strategy to destabilise and dominate your opponents. Explore, experiment, and above all, find the style that makes you tick. And remember, whatever the position, the key is to stay dynamic, reactive, and always one step ahead. Good luck in the ring, and may the best man win! 🥊

Sources : boxing wiki – Boxing wiki