How to beat a southpaw

Boxing / Popular

Angles, foot position and the shots that work against southpaws.

What coaches agree on

  • Get your lead foot outside your opponent's lead foot - it lines up your rear hand for a clean shot and moves your head off their power hand's line.
  • Your cross is your best weapon against a southpaw, especially once the outside foot position opens a clean, straight lane to their chin.
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  • Fight for control of the lead hand - getting yours on top lets you push theirs down and open a lane for your jab, hook, or cross.

Common mistakes

  • Moving or circling to the right instead of the left carries you straight into a southpaw's power hand - coaches call it the most dangerous place you can stand.
How to Shut Down a Southpaw's Jab
Intermediate

How to Shut Down a Southpaw's Jab

Coach's take: Excellent live demo — clear cause and effect, three real counters, and it debunks the southpaw-advantage myth at the end.

3.8