4 Tips For Fighting A Shorter Opponent View Larger Image

Fighting someone shorter than you are can be a blessing- if you know how.  I am a 5’10” female and I never fought another woman taller than myself.  But I have to say, I have encountered some short girls who knew how to fight and win against much taller opponents.  There are some natural perks to being a tall fighter, but it is a matter of learning how to utilize them.  Here are four main strategies to capitalize on your height advantage:

1. Use your reach.

I cannot count how many times I’ve heard this over the past few years.  As a tall person, you can hit someone within your range and still be safely out of their’s if you fully extend all of your strikes.  This extension not only helps you win fights, but it also helps to enforce proper technique and to deliver blows to their maximum effect.

2. Pick your shots.

You don’t have to be hasty.  You can afford to judge and place all of your shots because you have the advantage of seeing what’s coming. This is an advantage because you don’t have to fight for every punch just to get close enough to land one.

3. Stay out of their pocket.

They have to work to reach you.  Use your tiips, jabs, and footwork to stay just out of reach of your opponent while keeping them in your striking distance.

4. Take control

You’re big.  Use your size.  You can physically dominate the ring if you assert yourself.  Take the center and don’t let go.  But beyond literal size, this is a huge advantage in the mental game.  You can intimidate your opponent by standing your ground and using your height to physically and psychologically tower over them.

If you play your height right, a shorter opponent may never be able to land a hit. For more tips and tricks, subscribe to our YouTube channel or stop by if you’re local to Northern Virginia!