Every boxing technique occurs inside a ring. Take away the ring and you take away the situation that explains the technique. So, it’s worth thinking about the ring in detail.

What are the key positions and what do they mean for the boxer?

As it happens, there are only three key positions:

1) The Corner

2) The Ropes

3) The Centre

These three positions simply repeat themselves as the boxer moves around the ring.

The important thing is understanding the options for each position.

The Corner

If you’re in the corner, your movement is limited. This is because you cannot step back or to the sides as freely as you might compared to the other positions.

Throwing a jab from the corner is not the same as throwing a jab from other positions. The boxer in the corner is under considerable pressure to not get hit. In contrast, the boxer in the centre has the freedom to step back.

This is not to say that being in the corner is a problem. Some boxers thrive under pressure as they learn corner-specific techniques and combinations. They might even turn the tables on the opponent. For example, they might clinch, pivot and switch places with the opponent. However, this assumes an understanding of the situation.

The Ropes

If you’re against the ropes, you have the freedom to move laterally but you are still limited. This is because you cannot step back as freely as you might compared to the centre.

Again, throwing a jab from the ropes is different from throwing a jab from the centre. The opponent has an interest in keeping you against the ropes or even moving you into a corner.

Developing rope-specific techniques, such as quick lateral footwork, rope-a-dope, shoulder rolls and counters, are the sorts of techniques that might help a boxer to survive in this situation.

The Centre

If you’re in the centre, you have the most freedom of movement. This is because you can step back at any time, which is arguably the best defence.

It is for this reason that many coaches advise their boxers to control the centre, to cut-off the ring, and to manoeuvre the opponent into a corner. This is often called ring generalship and is one of the criteria under which boxers are judged.

Application

Next time you’re shadowboxing, try thinking about where you are in the ring. This will place your techniques in context and help you move with purpose.

Also think about stance. Boxing a southpaw in the corner is not the same as boxing an orthodox on the ropes. If you really want to get technical, consider these situations separately and organize your training accordingly:

1) Corner Orthodox vs Centre Orthodox

2) Corner Orthodox vs Centre Southpaw

3) Corner Orthodox vs Ropes Orthodox

4) Corner Orthodox vs Ropes Southpaw

And so on…

By sticking to a position, you may learn to ‘feel’ the correct stance, footwork, blocks, head movement and punches specific to that position. By learning the ‘same’ techniques in other positions, and in other stances, you may progress to changing positions without losing that ‘feel’. Eventually you may develop the freedom to box in any position and in any stance.

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