The high guard is one of the first defences most boxers learn. It is easy to do and it gives you quick, simple protection. But to be honest, even many top level pros seem not to understand its pitfalls. In this video lesson I go through the pros and cons of the boxing high guard.

This is for beginners learning to defend, and for experienced boxers and coaches who want to think more carefully about when the high guard helps and when it gets you hurt.

What The High Guard Is

In the high guard both hands sit high, gloves near the temples or forehead, elbows tucked in to cover the body. Against punches coming in, you let the arms and gloves take the shots instead of your head.

The Pros

There are good reasons it is so popular:

  • It is simple. A beginner can learn it in minutes.
  • It is quick. You do not have to read the punch perfectly, you just cover.
  • It protects a lot. Head and body are both covered when it is done well.
  • It works under pressure. When you are tired or hurt, it is something your body can still do.

The Cons

Here is where people get caught out:

  • You cannot see well. With the gloves up by your face, your vision narrows and you lose sight of what is coming.
  • You become a target. If all you do is cover, your opponent can throw freely and pick their shots.
  • Uppercuts and shots down the middle. If there is a gap between the gloves, it gets found.
  • It makes you static. People shell up and stop moving their feet and head, which is exactly what the other person wants.
  • Power still gets through. Taking big shots on the arms still shakes you.

How To Use It Well

The high guard is a tool, not a home. Use it to get through a moment, then do something. Cover, then move your head, step off at an angle, or counter. A guard that leads to nothing just gives your opponent free time.

When you practise it, have a partner throw light shots while you cover and then reply. Learn to keep your eyes up and looking at your opponent through your guard, not hiding behind it. Work on keeping the elbows tight without lifting the shoulders up around your ears.

Ask yourself what you like and dislike about it, and when it actually suits your style.

Take It Further

If you want to build sound defence alongside your punching, the Learn To Box Online Course takes you through it step by step. For more of my boxing material, see The Boxing Series.