24.01.2023
Hour eight of my client's current boxing course switched from the cross-arm guard to the Philly Shell. It has been argued by many that the Philly Shell is a split off from the cross arm guard. Archie Moore's daughter certainly voices this view as do many coaches. Since its emergence different fighters and different gyms have taken it in different directions. Both guards are known for their strong defence structure, the higher than basic level of skill required to make them work and their strategic baiting. The cross arm guard uses more overt baiting methods and is a bit more patient in nature. However, they both set traps. The Philly Shell is more aggressive. Whereas the cross arm uses a more squared stance, the Philly Shell is decidedly more bladed. The cross arm guard is tighter and uses the elbow to block left hooks whereas the Philly Shell blocks this punch like other boxing guards. Given the more side-on approach I would argue that the shoulder roll is even more prominent in the Philly Shell. The cross arm guard has to change back to other types of guard when it leaves mid-range in order to throw jabs or long range left hooks. The Philly Shell only needs to extend its lead arm. We trained the pull-back from the Philly Shell using straight punches and forward and backward footwork to bait a straight attack. By pulling away the fighter fades away from the attack and can then throw a powerful counter or a combination, as we did. We completed the lesson with 3 x 3 minute rounds. The first two dealt with defence only and the last one was free sparring. https://clubbchimera.com/services/
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