Where you put your rear hand decides a lot about how well you defend and how fast you can hit back. In this video lesson I show the rear hand placement I teach and explain why it works. It is for boxers and martial artists at any level who want a guard that does more than just sit there.

What This Placement Gives You

By placing the rear hand in this position you take advantage of several things at once:

  • It is easy to see incoming strikes
  • It is easy to block, parry or deflect incoming jabs and crosses
  • Your peripheral vision is not obstructed
  • It is closer to the opponent, so it is quicker to land
  • The structural alignment makes it very strong
  • It is easy to cover hooks

That is a lot to get from one small adjustment. Most guards give you one or two of those and cost you the rest.

The Chin And The Shoulder

None of this works if your head is in the wrong place. You must remember to keep your chin tucked behind your front shoulder. The hand placement and the chin position work together. If your chin comes up, the hand is protecting something that is no longer there.

Check it in a mirror. Then check it again after three rounds on the bag, when you are tired. That is when it usually drifts.

It Is A Learned Skill

I make no excuse for this being a learned skill. If you have held your hand somewhere else for years, it will feel strange at first. That is normal. If you try it for five minutes and then decide it does not work, you have not given it a fair chance.

Here is how I would practise it:

  1. Shadow box slowly, checking the hand position after every combination
  2. Work with a partner throwing light jabs and crosses so you can feel the parries
  3. Add hooks and practise covering from the same position
  4. Only then add speed and pressure

Give it a few weeks of steady practice and it will start to feel natural.

Take It Further

If you want the full picture of guard, stance and defence, the Learn To Box Online Course covers it step by step. For a wider library of boxing material, see The Boxing Series.