The L guard, or sword and shield, can be used at all distances and for all types of control. The only limit is your understanding of how to apply it. In this video lesson I take the L guard off the bag and look at it on a live opponent.

This is for boxers and strikers who have started to work with the L guard and want to see how it works against a real person.

From Bag To Partner

Training the L guard on the heavy bag builds the habits. But a bag does not move, does not think and does not hit back. Once you have the basics, you need to see how the guard works against someone who does.

With a live opponent you learn things the bag cannot teach you. How their arms move. Where the openings appear. How your lead arm can interfere with what they want to do.

Control At All Distances

The L guard is not just a long range defence. It can be used at every range:

  • At long range. The lead arm is ready to jab or to catch and deflect incoming shots.
  • At mid range. The lead arm and shoulder help cover the body and the jaw while the rear hand stays ready.
  • In close. The lead arm can help control your opponent's arms and body, giving you space to work.

The guard gives you control. Control of space, of their arms and of the exchange. And control is what lets you hit without being hit.

Try It In Sparring

The best test is sparring. Try the L guard and see how it can be used almost all the time, in almost every scenario. You will learn quickly what works for you and where you need more practice. Keep sparring controlled and technical while you learn. The aim is to understand the guard, not to win the round.

Common Mistakes

  • Treating it as a pose. It is an active guard. The arms are always working.
  • Rear hand drifting. Against a live opponent this gets punished fast.
  • Only using it at one range. Explore every distance.
  • Leaning back. Leaning away instead of moving your feet leaves you off balance.

How To Practise It

Start with a partner throwing slow, single shots. Use the L guard to deal with them and reply. Then increase the variety. Then move to light technical sparring, focusing on control first and hitting second.

Take It Further

For a structured way to learn boxing defence and movement, try the Learn To Box Online Course. To explore more of my boxing material, see The Boxing Series.