Expert: Alan Kahn - 5/17/2006

Question
Hi,
I just have been boxing with my cousin scotty he is a Amatuer boxer and is right handed, he has been teaching me about boxing and we have been and training  3 days a week. The thing is I am left handed and that I think is a good advantage, do u think I should convert to right handed. My right hand is significantly weaker, but that was also Rocky case in the Rocky movies but he converted then switched. This made him double trouble for his opponents. Should I do that and if I do how can i improve my right hand?

Justin

Answer
Hello Justin,

If you are a natural "south paw" or left handed, there is no need to switch to right handed, and certainly not because of a what some movie portrayed. The Rocky movies are great entertainment, but they are movies, not real boxing. IF you want to develop a better right hand and perhaps be a more complex fighter, able to change stances from left to right handed, you might consider learning to switch, but this will take a long time, and should only be attempted when you are fairly skilled in punching combinations, footwork, balance and defense from your natural left handed stance (right leg forward). Trying to do it the other way will only confuse you, especially if you are being trained by an amatuer "buddy", and not a legitimate coach.

You might also consider some martial arts training, which normally emphasize practicing from many stances with either leg forward. Most comparably trained martial artists are proficient with either arm or leg, since their training emphasizes all four limbs equally. But boxing purists frown on that idea.

You can improve your weakest hand (right in your case) by using it more. get in your stance and do many punches with it. Start out doing the movements SLOWLY. speed will come with practice and ability by itself. You cannot make yourself go faster. Relax and strive for movement control. Get your form down solid. Work your right hand purposefully to gain more control, focus and power. Then add some punching, moving activity. Circling left, right, back and forward, while you are punching. concentrate on your weak hand and don't protect it. Use it alot on the bags. It will take time, but after thousands of repetitions, it will fall into place.  

Whatever you do, train safely. thanks for your question.
and good luck in your boxing activities.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible