Boxing builds strength, endurance, and confidence. To gain these benefits, it’s essential to practice proper boxing using the right equipment to avoid injury. Following the right boxing guard form and wearing the correct guard equipment protects you from injuries and impact from the opponent’s punches. In this article, we’ll cover the top 7 boxing guard types for beginners as well as the importance of essential boxing guard equipment.

1. 7 Essential Boxing Guard Types for
Beginners: Ultimate Guide

3. Boxing builds strength, endurance, and confidence.
To gain these benefits, it’s essential to practice
proper boxing using the right equipment to avoid
injury. Following the right boxing guard form and
wearing the correct guard equipment protects you
from injuries and impact from the opponent’s
punches.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 7 boxing guard
types for beginners as well as the importance of
essential boxing guard equipment.

4. Popular Boxing Guard Techniques Used
by Boxers
High Guard
The high guard is the most basic and widely
used guard in boxing. It involves keeping your
hands close to your head, elbows tucked in, and
chin down to protect your face.

5. Pros
• Offers great protection for the face and head.
• Easy to learn and use.
• Works well against a variety of punches.
Cons
• Can be tiring to maintain for long periods.
• Limits the ability to throw fast punches.
• Offers less protection for the body.
Ideal for
Beginners who want to learn the basics of boxing and are
looking for a simple, effective guard.

6. Peek-a-Boo Guard
The peek-a-boo guard is a defensive style
created by legendary boxer Cus D’Amato. It
involves keeping your hands in front of your
face, elbows tucked in, and chin down while
bobbing and weaving to avoid punches. The
peek-a-boo guard is best for parry punches. The
guard emphasizes keeping the hands up and in
front of the face, which makes it easier to
quickly deflect or parry incoming punches.

7. Pros
• Offers great protection for the face and head.
• Allows for quick and effective counterpunching.
• Helps to conserve energy by minimizing unnecessary
movements.
Cons
• Takes time and practice to perfect.
• Can be difficult to maintain against taller opponents.
• Leaves the body more vulnerable to punches.
Ideal for:
Intermediate to advanced boxers who want to incorporate a
more complex and dynamic guard into their style.

8. Philly Shell Guard
The Philly shell guard is a defensive style
popularized by Floyd Mayweather Jr. It involves
keeping your lead arm low, your rear hand near
your cheek, and your shoulder protecting your
chin.

9. Pros
• Offers great protection for the entire body.
• Allows for quick and effective counterpunching.
• Provides opportunities for offensive maneuvers.
Cons
• Takes time and practice to master.
• Can be difficult to use against taller opponents.
• Leaves the head and face more vulnerable to punches.
Ideal for: Advanced boxers who want to incorporate a
unique and defensive style into their repertoire.

10. Cross-Armed Guard
The cross-armed guard is a defensive style that
involves crossing your arms in front of your
chest to protect your body. It’s an effective
guard against body shots but leaves your face
vulnerable.

11. Pros
• Offers great protection for the body.
• Provides opportunities for counterpunching.
• Can be used to lure opponents into attacking.
Cons
• Leaves the head and face more vulnerable to punches.
• Can be difficult to use against taller opponents.
• Limits the ability to throw fast punches.
Ideal for: Boxers who want to focus on body shots and
are looking for a unique and defensive style.

12. Low Guard
The low guard is a defensive style that involves
keeping your hands low to invite your opponent
to throw punches, then countering with fast
punches of your own.

13. Pros
• Can be used to bait opponents into attacking.
• Allows for quick and effective counterpunching.
• Provides more opportunities to land punches to the head
and body.
Cons
• Leaves the head and face more vulnerable to punches.
• Requires good footwork and defensive skills.
• Can be tiring to maintain for long periods.
Ideal for: Boxers who are comfortable with their defensive
skills and want to incorporate a more aggressive and
counterpunching style.

14. Orthodox Guard
Pros
• Offers great protection for the face and head.
• Easy to learn and use.
• Works well against a variety of punches.
Cons
• Can be tiring to maintain for long periods.
• Limits the ability to throw fast punches.
• Offers less protection for the body.
Ideal for: Right-handed beginners who want to learn the
basics of boxing and are looking for a simple, effective
guard.

15. Southpaw Guard
The southpaw guard is the opposite of the
orthodox guard and is used by boxers who use
their left lead hand. It keeps your right hand up
to protect your face and your left hand near
your chin to protect your body.

16. Pros
• Offers great protection for the face and head.
• Easy to learn and use.
• Works well against a variety of punches.
Cons
• Can be tiring to maintain for long periods.
• Limits the ability to throw fast punches.
• Offers less protection for the body.
Ideal for:
Left-handed beginners who want to learn the basics of
boxing and are looking for a simple, effective guard.

17. Essential Boxing Guard Equipment for
Protection
Groin Guard
A groin guard, also known as a cup, is worn by
male fighters to protect the groin area from
impact during combat. It is made of various
materials, including hard plastic or padded
foam. A well-fitted groin guard can prevent
serious injury to the testicles. So, it prevents
pain and long-term damage.

18. Pros
• Protects the sensitive groin area from impact and injury.
• Gives boxers peace of mind and confidence when sparring or
competing.
• Available in various types and designs, including hard cups and soft
padding.
Cons
• Can be uncomfortable and restrict movement if not fitted properly.
• It may move out of place during intense movement or impact.
• May not fully protect from all types of blows or hits to the groin
area.
Ideal for:
Boxers and other combat sports athletes who want to protect their
groin area from impact and injury.

19. Mouth Guard
A mouth guard protects the teeth, gums, and
jaw from impact. It reduces the risk of
concussion by absorbing shock and minimizing
the impact of a punch to the face. A mouth
guard is typically made of a soft, pliable material
that molds to the teeth and can be customized
to fit the individual’s mouth.

20. Pros
• Protects the teeth, gums, and jaw from impact during sparring or competitions.
• Can improve breathing and oxygen intake during physical activity.
• Can improve overall comfort and reduce distractions during training or
competitions.
Cons
• Can feel bulky or uncomfortable, especially if not fitted properly.
• May interfere with speech or communication during training or competitions.
• Can be easily lost or forgotten.
Ideal For:
• Boxers and other combat sports athletes who want to protect their teeth, gums,
and jaw from impact.
• Athletes who have previously experienced dental or jaw injuries or those who
grind their teeth during physical activity.

21. Useful Tip:
It is essential for athletes and boxers to
wear Boxing Gloves, Hand
wraps and mouthguards to minimize injury risks
to sensitive areas. Don’t forget to warm up
before each practice. Always start slowly to
avoid injury.

22. Boxing Guard – Frequently Asked
Questions
What happens when a boxer loses his mouthguard?
If a boxer loses their mouthguard during a match, the
referee will usually pause the fight to allow the boxer to
retrieve the mouthguard or replace it. If the mouthguard
is damaged or cannot be retrieved, the boxer may be
given a new mouthguard to use. In some cases, if the
boxer loses their mouthguard repeatedly or if it is seen as
an intentional tactic to gain a breather, the referee may
issue a warning or even a penalty. It is important for
boxers to properly fit and secure their mouthguards to
prevent them from becoming dislodged during a fight.

23. Is it better to wear a mouthguard on top or
bottom?
Both types of mouthguards, whether worn on the
top or bottom teeth, can provide sufficient
protection for the teeth and mouth. However, it is
generally recommended to wear a mouthguard on
the top teeth, as it provides a better fit and
protection to the upper teeth, which are more
vulnerable to impact during a boxing match

24. How do you pick a good mouthguard?
• Fit: A good mouthguard should fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth. It should
not feel loose or bulky.
• Thickness: The mouthguard should be thick enough to provide adequate
protection, but not so thick that it hinders breathing or speech.
• Material: Mouthguards are typically made from three types of materials: stock
mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-fit mouthguards. Custom-fit
mouthguards are the most expensive but also offer the best protection.
• Purpose: Consider the purpose of the mouthguard. If you’re a professional boxer,
you may need a different type of mouthguard than if you’re a beginner or
recreational boxer.
• Durability: Look for a mouthguard that is made from high-quality materials and is
designed to last. A durable mouthguard will offer better protection and save you
money in the long run.
• Hygiene: Look for a mouthguard that is easy to clean and maintain. A mouthguard
that is not cleaned properly can harbor bacteria and lead to oral health problems.

25. Are you supposed to bite on your mouthguard?
Yes, you are supposed to bite on your mouthguard
to help it stay in place and provide the best
protection. When fitting a mouthguard, you should
bite down firmly to make sure it conforms to the
shape of your teeth and gums. However, you should
not bite down too hard or clench your teeth while
wearing a mouthguard, as this can cause jaw pain
and affect your performance.

26. How do you know if a mouthguard is good?
fit comfortably and securely in your mouth, allowing you
to speak and breathe easily while providing protection for
your teeth, jaws, and soft tissues.
Did Mike Tyson wear a mouthpiece?
Yes, Mike Tyson wore a mouthpiece during his boxing
matches. A mouthpiece is a protective device that is worn
in the mouth to help absorb shock and protect the teeth
and jaws from injury during physical activities such as
boxing. It is a mandatory piece of equipment for boxers in
most jurisdictions.

27. Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the different types of
boxing guards is crucial for beginners to become
successful in boxing. By following the step-by-
step instructions and utilizing the equipment
needed, you can ensure that you’re well-
protected while practicing. Start practicing today
and take your boxing skills to the next level!