RingsideReady
Guard
Take this slowly, stay balanced, and ask your coach when something feels unclear.
category
defence
plain english
Where your hands live when you are not punching: both hands up by your cheeks, elbows tucked in near your ribs, chin slightly down.
example
“Hands up” and “guard” mean the same thing.
why it matters
It is the default position you return to after every punch. Most beginner corrections are some version of returning to it faster.
common mistake
Holding the hands out in front instead of against the face, which blocks your own view and tires the shoulders.
related terms
- • High guard
- • Return to guard
- • Chin
difficulty
beginner