Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/26/2004

Question
Alan, $64,000,000 QUESTION. Best way to prepare/train for a southpaw. Any bits of info (weird or wonderful) you have come across that may be of use besides the "drowing at birth" solution. THANKS.  

Answer
Dear Phil,

Boy that IS the $64,000,000 question.  There is not much definitive training information out there on that one. I suspect that is more of a "inside" word of mouth, in the ring secret. I do know the normal key to controling and gaining the advantage is through the footwork. Two orthodox ( "normal" fighting stance, left foot forward..) Circle in a clockwise fashion, each stepping slightly into the direction of where there jab hand is. Their stomachs face opposite directions, toward each other in the center. Their footwork goes like this:step left foot, jab left hand, slide right foot up. This way you step and jab into your power. Both fighters have a powerful jab in this situation.
their stance allows each to move into their power at the same time. Incidently two "southpaw" fighters can do the same thing. They both naturally step into their power, circling counterclockwise.  

If you are forced to step the opposite way from your jab ( leading ) hand, it is awkward and reduces power. It is unnatural. This should only happen if the stances are opposed to each other.

This is exactly what happens in a "normal" stance vs. a "southpaw" stance. Both their stomachs face the SAME direction, and the normal stepping motion will force the other to react and move against their own power. Whomever establishes the stronger stepping motion and direction of their movement takes control of the jab, and establishes ring control. The trick is to know how to do it.  I have heard many coaches tell their fighters to step outside the lead leg ( right leg ) of the southpaw, forcing him to move to YOUR right ( his left), which is against his natural power. Keep doing this to establish the circling motion and control the ring. Now he may be trying to step outside of your left leg also, for this same strategy works for him also. Best move here might be a quick, slight retreat ( shuffle step back for distance ) and quickly re-step outside his lead leg. Whatever you do, don't cross your feet.  Also, practice circling the "other way" or counterclockwise on a heavy bag and do jab, straight punch etc.  Do this to find a rhythm and body motion to punch with power while moving in the weaker - or wrong- direction. Do this just in case your southpaw opponent has more experience and seems to be dominating the ring motion. At least if he wins the footwork you can still defend with power. On secret here is to initiate your stepping ( counterclockwise to the right) with your rear ( right ) leg, then shuffle your lead ( left) leg over to the right. You can Jab with power AS the right-rear leg moves, and also Jab with power the instant your left leg stops in this motion. For the right fist, you can fire it with power just after the right-rear leg stops, pushing off it to fire the hip as the right fist goes out. Try this on the heavy bag first to get the feel. It is difficult to throw a hook when moving in the opposite direction.  

In the martial arts, which stresses both learning both "normal" and "southpaw" stances with punches and kicks, we often go to the southpaw situation ( stomaches facing same direction, not toward each other..) on purpose simply to use the ease of footwork domination. Works great on a guy who doesn't know any better or has little training in fighting while circling in the wrong direction, or making him fight "wrong footed" as we call it. Just keep stepping outside that lead leg and watch him struggle to find a powerful base when moving against his natural punch.

I wish I could give you some other links to articles or video's on this subject but I can't find any in numerous online searches.

But you might try a few boxing forums, such as
www.rossboxing.com  his active forums have a lot of great guys who compete and will offer some advice.

Hope this helps ya Phil, and good luck. If I can help with anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.  

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible