Many fighters use the triangle theory and its techniques in boxing without realizing it. Very often the fighter who executes this idea the best will beat the other fighter.
Even though many fans enjoy seeing fighters stand toe-to-toe and trade punches in the ring, it’s also exciting to see both fighters play chess against each other in the ring using these ideas.
This article will discuss the triangle theory in boxing and how you can incorporate it into your skillset.
What Is The Triangle Theory In Boxing?
The triangle theory in boxing is how fighters use their footwork to create angles via a combination of techniques.
Imagine an equilateral triangle with you at the one of the triangle’s points and your opponent at the center at mid to short-range.
A boxer will rarely be able to walk into an opponent’s range and land punches. Instead, you have to move along the side of the triangle to get an angle on your opponent.
Most fighters follow the side of the triangle that corresponds with the lead hand and foot. You can also do it with the rear side, but it requires good footwork.
If your opponent adjusts or if he steps out into long range, you’ll have to advance and change positions until he is located in the center of the conceptual triangle again.
Fighters use the triangle theory many times in the boxing ring, even if they don’t realize they’re doing it.
This is a better strategy than staying in a stationary position and attacking directly in front of your opponent.
Offensive Advantages Of Triangle Theory
Some of the offensive advantages of the triangle theory include:
- Bypassing The High Guard
- Getting You Into Attack Range
- Easily Create Angles
Bypassing Your Opponent’s High Guard
The first offensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it allows you to bypass your opponent’s high guard.
If your opponent has arms in a high guard, punching straight won’t work since he’ll be able to block easily.
He can also see punches coming since he has a direct line of sight.
Instead, you can use triangle theory to get past this guard.
Getting You Into Attack Range
The next offensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it gets you into attack range.
Something as simple as throwing a jab and moving laterally towards your lead side will take you within range to land body shots and attacks on your opponent’s chin.
Easily Create Angles
Lastly, an offensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it allows you to easily create angles.
Punches that wouldn’t have landed from a straight line will land with the new position.
This will catch your opponent off guard and give you the upper hand.
You’ll also gain a point from the judges for ring generalship and aggressiveness.
Defensive Advantages Of Triangle Theory
On the other hand, some of the defensive advantages of triangle theory include:
- Get Your Opponent Off Balance
- Negates Your Opponent’s Footwork
- Sets Up Your Counterpunches
Get Your Opponent Off Balance
The first defensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it allows you to get your opponent off balance.
By constantly changing the angle, you’ll keep your opponent off balance and unable to attack.
This body movement, when coupled with head movement, will make it harder for your opponent to throw punches and land them.
Negates Your Opponent’s Footwork
The next defensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it negates your opponent’s footwork.
When your opponent tries to create an angle on you, all you have to do is counter with your own angled step, and make sure your opponent remains in your own triangle.
Sets Up Your Counterpunches
Lastly, a defensive advantage of the triangle theory is that it sets up your counterpunches.
Triangle theory also shows how offense flows from defense.
Slipping a jab and stepping at a 45-degree angle will help you avoid incoming punches and will set up your counter punching.
It’s possible to get behind your opponent’s jab where he cannot reach you with any punches. From here, he’s forced to turn his upper body to face you.
If your opponent turns into your punch, this is the perfect position to use your opponent’s body weight and movement against them. Here even your normal punches can become power punches.
Triangle Theory In Action: Vasiliy Lomachenko
To see the triangle theory in action, watch how Vasiliy Lomachenko moves in his fights.
In the beginning rounds of his fights, he doesn’t focus on throwing punches. Instead, he focuses on establishing angles and measuring distance with the lead hand.
Since he’s a southpaw, he tests the outside angle against his orthodox opponent. Often, he’ll uses the lead hand to block his opponents’ vision while he moves.
In the later rounds, Lomachenko picks up momentum and his techniques begin to shine. He’ll keep using his feints and footwork to keep his opponent in the same position of the conceptual triangle, no matter where they are in the ring.
When combined with level changes, Lomachenko uses the triangle theory to land devastating punches and create new combinations.
Watch the video below to see how Lomachenko uses the triangle theory to beat Roman Martinez, using the outside angle against his opponent’s lead foot for the whole fight.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the triangle theory in boxing, you can use these techniques in your fights or recognize when your opponent is using them against you.
Depending on a fighter’s speed and footwork, these ideas may work for one, but not for another. Regardless, these ideas are good to add to your boxing skills.
The next time you watch pro fights, watch the footwork instead of the punches. Pay attention to how one fighter will focus on taking an angle against his opponent, instead of taking his opponent head on.
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