Expert: Jack Rose - 7/22/2006

Question
I am right handed, but have southpaw tendencies. I do things such as dealing cards and playing pool switched.  My right arm is more coordinated, but my left arm is stronger.  I am comfortable being in the Southpaw position, but am confused as to whether I should stay that way or switch it to a regular position?  Is there even a name of what I do?  And is there anyone who also fights in the same manner I do.

Lastly I had a quick question about a form of uppercut that does not come from a duck to straight up, but from an arching of the back (such as that in the Matrix) and curving from the side up.  Basically you arch back and shoot your arm up from the arched position.  Have you ever even heard of this move?

Answer
Hello Miguel,

The name for the ability you descibed is called ambidextrious. It's when you can use both hands with the same amount of skill and agility effectively. It is a great advantage to have this skill. There are a few guys who switch up during a fight but very few who can do it well.
From what your telling telling me I believe you should fight righthanded. The reason is, you are more coordinated in your righthand. It is easy to add power to coordination but difficult to add coordination to power. Although, I do recommend training from time to time as a lefty so you can switch up from during the right opponent.

On the uppercut question, I definately do not recommend throwing an uppercut from that position. First, when you bend over at the waist you are taking your eyes off of your opponent, which you should never do. Secondly, When you make impact the force of the blow is absorbed by your back when it should be absorbed by your legs. You could easily injure your back with that style. Lastly, when you bend over you are putting your head in a position to be hit with an uppercut. But when you squat and use your legs, you go straight down so your head stays erect. Then you push up with your legs which possess more upward power than using your back. You will do more damage to your opponent as well.

Great question.... good luck with your training,

Jack
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