9 Most Common Boxing Mistakes

Boxing Mistake #1 – Abandoning the Boxing Stance

Experienced boxers can get away with this, as seen with fighters like Prince Naseem Hamed or Roy Jones Jr., known for their unorthodox stances. However, as a beginner, don’t be tempted to emulate them. These fighters rely heavily on their reflexes. The boxing stance, also known as the neutral position, has earned its name for a reason. Whether you’re moving, attacking, or defending, you always return to this stance! We teach everyone the classic boxing stance. Once you master this, you can develop your own style. The boxing stance is the position where you are most stable, can react fastest, and have the greatest reach. Without a stable base, it’s impossible to transfer your weight into your punches—essential for delivering powerful strikes.

Boxing Mistake #2 – Incorrect Foot Placement

In the example above, the man in blue gloves is unstable. You should always be able to kick a ball with your back leg without hitting the heel of your front foot. A narrow stance is common among people with a martial arts background. While this narrow stance may provide greater jab range, the cross punch loses reach. Focusing solely on maintaining your stance might seem simple, but resetting after movement is often neglected. Boxing is a game of measuring distance—knowing when you’re in position to strike and when you’re not. Constant movement makes it easy to forget proper technique, especially when you’re responding to a trainer or opponent, following commands, or feeling fatigued. This makes boxing not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging.

Boxing Mistake #3 – Weight on Heels in the Stance

Flat-footed movement around the gym is not the right way. As a boxer, ensure your weight stays on the ball of your back foot.

There’s debate about moving with flat feet, but in the neutral stance, weight should be evenly distributed (or 60/40) between the balls of both feet. Your front heel doesn’t need to lift off the ground. This positioning allows you to quickly rotate your lower body into punches and respond to situations faster. For example, after a step-jab where your front foot moves forward by 20 cm, your back foot must bridge the same distance. The same applies to moving backward or sideways. Without resetting your footwork, you risk losing balance, creating "spaghetti legs," and leaving yourself vulnerable.

Boxing Mistake #4 – Loading Punches from Your Arm

Initially, the jab may feel like a punch that lacks power. Many beginners compensate by "loading" the punch, drawing it back before throwing it. However, this telegraphs your intent, making it easy for your opponent to counter. A loaded punch is also slower, leaving you vulnerable during its wind-up.

Boxing Mistake #5 – Leaning Forward While Punching

To close the distance to an opponent, beginners often lean forward with their upper body instead of stepping. This exposes you to danger. If you run into a punch in this position, you’re likely to go down. Always move with your opponent’s strikes to reduce their impact, rather than leaning into them.

Boxing Mistake #6 – Giving Away Signals

Beyond loading punches, many fighters unintentionally telegraph their moves. For example, some rotate their elbow outward before punching. To disguise your jab or cross, ensure your elbow moves straight up without flaring outward.

Additionally, avoid forming predictable patterns. For instance, if you always follow a cross with a hook, an opponent can easily counter with a roll and body or head hook.

Boxing Mistake #7 – Failing to Protect Yourself at All Times

Feeling exhausted or on the verge of quitting? Take 8 seconds and sit down if you must, but never drop your guard.

Some fighters under pressure panic, raising their chin and extending their arms to stay out of reach. Retreating in boxing is rarely a good idea. Many fighters suffer knockouts due to carelessness in this regard. This is why referees begin every match with: "Protect yourself at all times."

Boxing Mistake #8 – Slipping in the Wrong Direction

Slipping is a defensive move where you rotate your upper body to let a punch glide past you. In most situations, you should slip to the outside of your opponent’s punch.

For example, if your opponent stands orthodox (left foot forward) and throws a jab (left hand), you should slip to your right. This neutralizes their cross and creates counter opportunities (hooks to the body or head). Slipping to the inside in this scenario leaves you vulnerable to their cross.

Boxing Mistake #9 – Mismanaging Energy

Boxing is as much about conditioning as it is about technique and tactics. If you exhaust yourself too quickly, you’re in trouble—your opponent won’t stop attacking just because you’re tired.

Many fighters move with unnecessary tension, wasting energy. Stay relaxed in the ring and use your energy wisely. Not every punch needs to be thrown with full power.

In Olympic boxing, scoring points is more critical than knockouts, leading to fast-paced action over three 3-minute rounds. In professional boxing, with title fights lasting 12 rounds, pacing yourself is crucial. Make your final punch in a combination the strongest. A six-punch combo with full power behind every shot wastes energy, takes too long, and compromises balance.