Abstract
Abstract
Study aim
This study examined kinetic differences between orthodox and southpaw boxing stances across four fundamental punches – jab, cross, lead hook, and rear hook – to determine whether stance orientation influences punching force and fist acceleration.
Material and methods
Thirty trained male boxers (age: 29.2 ± 1.4 years; body mass: 86.4 ± 1.4 kg; height: 175.8 ± 7.9 cm; training experience: 6.0 ± 2.1 years) performed five maximal-force repetitions of each punch in both stances. Punching force was recorded using an AMTI MC12-2K force plate, and fist acceleration was measured with a Noraxon Ultium EMG inertial sensor. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal–Wallis tests with effect size estimation (
ε
2
_
H
).
Results
Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed punch-specific differences between stances. The jab generated greater force in southpaw (median: 1387.8 N, IQR: 1205.9–1658.6) than in orthodox (1292.8 N, 1129.1–1581.7;
p
= 0.021). In contrast, the cross (orthodox: 1863.4 N, 1594.3–2307.7 vs southpaw: 1589.7 N, 1363.4–1941.0;
p
p
p
> 0.05). No significant stance differences were observed for fist acceleration in any technique. Across both stances, hook punches exhibited substantially higher forces and accelerations than straight punches.
Conclusions
Boxing stance does not confer a universal biomechanical advantage but affects performance in a technique-specific way. Bilateral stance training may enhance technical versatility and better prepare athletes for opponents with different orientations.