How should weight be distributed in the orthodox stance?

Weight should be balanced 50-50 between the feet, resting on the balls of the feet with heels off the ground. It should never be on the heels or the toes.

What are the correct foot angles for an orthodox stance?

The lead foot should point 10-15 degrees inside, while the rear foot should be at a 45-degree angle outside. Feet should be shoulder-width apart on parallel rails.

What are common mistakes to avoid in the orthodox stance?

Common errors include standing too wide, planting the heels, squaring the hips, crossing feet during movement, and pointing the lead foot straight at the opponent.

How should the hands and chin be positioned?

The lead hand sits at chin height and the rear hand at the temple. The chin should be tucked to the lead shoulder.

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Orthodox Stance

In Short

The orthodox stance is the default for right-handed boxers, featuring a left foot forward and right foot back with weight balanced on the balls of the feet. Proper form involves blading the torso at 45 degrees and keeping knees soft to minimize the target area and maintain speed.

The default stance for right-handed boxers: left foot forward, right foot back, lead shoulder pointed at the opponent. Feet shoulder-width apart and on parallel rails (not heel-to-toe). Knees soft, weight 50-50 between the feet — never on the heels, never on the toes. The torso is bladed at roughly 45° to the opponent, minimising the target area. The lead hand sits at chin height; the rear hand at the temple. Every offensive and defensive movement in orthodox boxing flows from this base.

Key points

▸Lead foot points 10-15° inside; rear foot at 45° outside.
▸Heels are off the ground — weight balanced on the balls of the feet.
▸Hips are bladed, not square.
▸Lead hand at chin height; rear hand at the temple.
▸Chin tucked to the lead shoulder.

Common mistakes

✗Standing too wide — slows lateral movement and lateral counters.
✗Heels planted — kills speed and balance.
✗Squaring the hips — increases target area by 40%.
✗Crossing the feet during movement.
✗Lead foot pointed straight at the opponent — opens the lead leg to a body kick (mostly irrelevant in boxing, but it also tells the opponent the angle of the next jab).

Drills

Stance check: stand in front of a mirror; verify all 5 key points every minute for 5 minutes.
Tape rails: place two strips of tape on the floor at shoulder width; never cross them during shadow-boxing.
Knee springs: 100 in-and-outs per round, knees bent, on the balls of the feet.

Related techniques

Southpaw Stance Pivot In-and-Out Jab

Frequently Asked

How should weight be distributed in the orthodox stance?: Weight should be balanced 50-50 between the feet, resting on the balls of the feet with heels off the ground. It should never be on the heels or the toes.
What are the correct foot angles for an orthodox stance?: The lead foot should point 10-15 degrees inside, while the rear foot should be at a 45-degree angle outside. Feet should be shoulder-width apart on parallel rails.
What are common mistakes to avoid in the orthodox stance?: Common errors include standing too wide, planting the heels, squaring the hips, crossing feet during movement, and pointing the lead foot straight at the opponent.
How should the hands and chin be positioned?: The lead hand sits at chin height and the rear hand at the temple. The chin should be tucked to the lead shoulder.