Your stance is the base of everything in boxing. Every punch and every step depends on it. A solid beginner boxing stance keeps you balanced, protects your chin, and gives your punches more speed and power.
Why stance matters
Good stance gives you improved balance, power, and defence. It also reduces energy wasted via poor movement so you can train longer and safer. When starting out, a proper boxing stance for beginners is essential to prevent these issues.
Want to learn how to correctly throw 2 of the most important punches in boxing? Take a look at our guides on throwing a great jab or a proper cross.
Beginner boxing stance steps
- Stand with feet a little wider than shoulder width
- If you are right handed place your left foot forward and your right foot back about one natural step
- Turn your lead toes slightly inward and your rear toes slightly outward
- Bend knees softly and keep weight centered with a tiny lean forward from the hips
- Tuck your chin and keep eyes up, which is crucial for the ideal beginner boxing stance.
- Hands up lead hand at cheek or eyebrow rear hand guarding the jaw with elbows close to the ribs
- Keep the rear heel light so you can pivot and push
This is a basic stance you want to have. Different stances like a square or bladed stance exist but are much harder to maintain and can have pros and cons when using them.
Quick beginner boxing stance checklist
- Feet set wide enough for balance
- Knees soft and springy – keeping on your toes to stay fast
- Chin tucked and eyes up
- Elbows in protecting ribs
- Hands return to guard after every punch, ensuring yoou’re maintaining a solid boxing stance for any beginner.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Feet in a straight line which kills balance
- Legs locked which limits movement
- Hands dropping after punches – by far the most common beginner boxing mistakes.
- Weight stuck on the rear foot or stacked on the front foot
- Over rotating the lead toes which opens the hips and the chin
Textbook example of dropping hands when fighting. Even while practising heavy bag work you should have your guard up!
Drill to lock it in
Shadowbox in front of a mirror for two minutes. Throw only a light jab and reset after each punch. Watch that your rear hand stays on guard your chin stays tucked and your feet return to the same stance marks after every jab. This is key for practising a beginner boxing stance.
Next steps
Now that your beginner boxing stance feels natural add light footwork. Practice small steps forward back left and right while keeping your stance shape. When you are ready pair this with a simple jab and cross and check out our beginner boxing gloves guides to choose a pair that supports safe training.
Looking to get some gear to start your boxing journey? Take a look at our pick for one of the best beginner boxing gloves from our guide!
