There are 12 key points to the neutral bow stance (Assuming left neutral bow):
1. WIDTH – Heel/toe alignment: Imagining a straight line running from 12 to 6 o’clock, the toes of the leading foot should be just left of the line and the heel of the right foot should be just right of the line.
2. DEPTH – Rear knee/front heel measurement: When kneeling into the check position, there should be a minimum of one fist’s width between the heel and knee. The maximum distance should be measured using the width of the fist with pinky and thumb extended.
3. HEIGHT – Thighs at 30-45 degrees: When done properly, you sort of feel like you are comfortably ‘sitting’ into the stance.
4. Feet at 45 degrees (1:30) – torso same direction: The angle of the body/torso will naturally follow the angle the feet are pointed, making this feel naturally comfortable.
5. 50/50 Front – Rear weight distribution: This is achieved easily if the body is centered in the stance.
6. Weight on balls of the feet: The heels need not be off the ground, but the weight should still be centered over the balls of the feet.
7. Toes in & Knees out: See side note below with Alex’s advice regarding knee position
8. Hips beneath shoulders (back straight): The shoulders and hips should be aligned in the same 45° angle with your legs. Your body should be in line with the imaginary ‘alignment rod’.
9. Lead arm 45 degrees – side-side & front-rear – elbow anchored
10. Lead hand approx. shoulder height – little finger forward: The fist is positioned thus so that the bones of the back of the hand are better protected.
11. Rear hand palm up in front of solar plexus: The fist palm up allows for a ¼ turn of torque during a punch. Bill stated that compared to a full ½ turn of torque, this position allowed for significantly less stress to the bones in the arm upon impact.
12. Head up and turned forward: The head should not be tilted too far up or down, but rather in a natural forward position. |
