What is “REACH” in BOXING?
The reach of a boxer is the length of his arms from fingertip to fingertip.
It is the same thing as your arm span, or wingspan. It’s the distance between the tip of your left middle fingers and your right, when your arms are extended sideways parallel to the ground.
WHY Is REACH SO IMPORTANT?
The height of a boxer will determine his reach. A taller boxer will have a greater reach. However, this is not always true. Some people naturally have longer arms.
A long reach is an advantage as it allows you to throw more jabs and keep your opponent at a safe distance.
But, having a great reach is not enough. It doesn’t mean you will win every fight.
REACH Vs ARM LENGTH
Reach should not be confused with arm length. Arm length measures the distance between the shoulder and the fist in one hand.
Arm length, like reach, is also a metric used in boxing and MMA.
Experts consider arm length to have a higher consistency metric. This is because you cannot manipulate its measurement unlike reach, wherein it can be made shorter by shrugging your shoulders.
HOW TO MEASURE REACH IN BOXING: STEP – STEP
The average reach in professional boxing is 71 inches. You may have a shorter or longer reach depending on your measurements.
Let’s measure our reach. Although it’s easy, you won’t be able to do it all by yourself. You need to get the measurements right with the help of a coach or someone else.
These steps will help you accurately measure your reach.
TAKE YOUR SHIRTS
You will first need to take off any clothing from your upper body. This is so you can measure accurately.
Your reach can be affected by even the smallest inclusions in your top. Sports bras for women are fine to wear.
LOOSEN YOUR MUSCLES
Next, engage in moderate to light cardio for a few minutes. You have the option of doing a quick walk, light jog or jumping jacks for two to three minutes. You can also do shadowboxing and a few other punching exercises.
Arm stretching is also an option. These exercises can help loosen your muscles. For maximum flexibility, your arm muscles should be warm. Flexibility allows you to extend your arms more freely and take more precise measurements.
Spread your arms out across your body. One arm at a stretch, lift one arm and then extend it across your body. You can hold it for between 10-20 seconds, then move on to the next arm.
FIND A Partner
Without someone to assist you, it is difficult to take a precise measurement. It is important to have someone to help you with your measurement.
STAND AGAINST a WALL ON T-POSITION
Keep your back against the wall. Your shoulders should be straight and your spine should remain upright. Your heels should be against the wall and your feet should be flat on ground. Don’t slouch forward or pull your head back. Your position should be comfortable.
Next, align your arms so that your arms are parallel to your body. Your arms should be parallel with the floor.
Ask a friend or partner to make sure your arms are aligned with your body. You can also check your posture by standing in front of mirrors.
FACE YOUR PALMS TO THE WALL
Your palms should be against the wall and your back facing inward.
Each side should be checked. Your elbows should be straight. If necessary, adjust your position.
STRETCH YOUR ARRESTS NICELY
Your arms should be extended as far as you can, but keep your posture correct. Your elbows should be aligned and your back should be straight.
To get the most accurate measurement of your reach, extend your arms as far as you can.
TAKE THE MEASUREMENT
Ask a friend or colleague to mark the points starting at the middle of your middle finger. Now, release your hands to measure the distance between two points on the wall.
To measure your reach, use a tape measure. You should ensure that the tape is not twisted or angled as this could lead to incorrect results. To make it easier for you to align the tape, let your friend hold one end and then hold the other.
What are the benefits of a long reach?
Boxing is all about height and reach. A tall, strong-armed boxer can keep his opponent out of his reach by using his long arms. He can thus hit a shorter opponent without needing to draw nearer.
You need to use your long reach outdoors to maximize it. To be able to throw a lot of jabs, you must keep your opponent at a safe distance.
Also, you should be agile and fast. Your opponent shouldn’t be able to trap you inside. You can improve your footwork to be able to move quickly sideways or backwards when your opponent is near you.
FAMOUS FIGHTERS’ REACH
The longest reach is a characteristic of some of the most well-known boxers. These include:
Roger Mayweather Floyd’s uncle has a 73.5-inch arm span, which he used in the ring. Roger Mayweather was twice crowned the WBC light-welterweight champion.
Larry Holmes He is the boxer that stopped Muhammad Ali in 1984. His jabs were considered one of the greatest in boxing history. Holmes’s reach is 81 inches.
Sonny Liston Sonny was a strong puncher with a reach of 84inches. After beating Floyd Patterson in a knockout, he became the world champion.
Tyson Fury This two-time world heavyweight champion is 85 inches tall. Many times, the Gypsy King makes use of his large arm span to his advantage in the ring.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE A SHORT RETEACH?
Be grateful if you have a long reach. This is a great advantage, whether you are using it to attack or defend. If used correctly, a long jab can be used to set up aggressive attacks to keep your opponent at bay.
What if your reach is short? If your reach is less than 71 inches, what should you do?
Although it is a disadvantage, having a shorter reach does not mean that you cannot be successful at boxing.
A short reach can have many benefits. It allows you to land hooks and uppercuts from the inside.
Fighting from the inside is the best way to box for those with short reach. This is done by squeezing your opponent against the rope, and then landing combinations.
Long reach does not always mean you are a better fighter. Look at Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazer and Mike Tyson. They don’t have long reach, but they have tremendous punching power.
Patterson is the heavyweight boxer with the most reach, but he was twice crowned World Heavyweight Champion. Patterson was also the youngest winner of the title.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF A SHORT REACH?
Boxing success is achieved by working hard and improving your boxing style.
You are more likely to beat your opponent if you have both knockout power and a better technique.
Your best weapon in the ring is your powerful punches. Boxing heavy bags is a great way to strengthen and improve your punching technique and build muscle memory.
You can also improve your punching power by doing plyometric pushups, shadowboxing, or HIIT workouts.
You should aim to reach a shorter distance than your opponent if you have a limited reach. He couldn’t use his lengthy reach to his advantage.
Bobbing and weaving are two of the most effective moves for boxers who have short reach. You should work on your hooks, and uppercuts. These punches require good head movements.
CONCLUSION
Boxing has many advantages. A long reach allows you to maintain a good distance from your opponent and allow you to throw powerful jabs.
It is not a sign of success in the ring. You can use your long reach to your advantage by improving your speed, movement, and technique.
Don’t worry if you only have a limited reach. Fighting from the inside can help you defeat your opponent. You can execute hooks and uppercuts freely.
No matter what your ability, strive to improve punching power, strength and endurance. This is the best way for boxing to succeed.