Defense

Guard

Your guard is how you hold your hands and elbows to shield vulnerable targets. A high guard keeps both hands by the cheeks with elbows tucked to protect the ribs — your first line of defense.

How to do it

1. 1Both hands up by the cheekbones.
2. 2Elbows tucked to protect the body.
3. 3Chin down, eyes looking through the top of your gloves.
4. 4Return here after every punch.

Common mistakes

• Carrying the hands too low.
• Flaring the elbows away from the body.
• Watching the floor instead of the opponent.