Holding the Lead Hand Far Out In Muay Thai

[CharmingCritic]

Was wondering if some of the more experienced cats here could give me their take on it. Is having your front hand extended out far from your face to keep your opponent back a good technique if you're a lot taller than your opponent? I know there are certain dangers that come along with that, like them parrying your hand and blasting you with a punch or knee, but it seems like if you're expecting that from them, you can avoid it.

I ask because I recently sparred with a guy whose only slightly taller than me and he really screwed me up by holding his hand out like an extended jab to keep me back, and then jabbing or hooking with it, or throwing a cross. Whenever I tried to parry it and punch, it was no surprise to him, he just moved his right hand in front of his face and leaned back, and i couldn't even hit him.

So yea, just wondering if this is a tactic I should start incorporating in my practice since I should be noticeably taller than most people I fight.

[mimo]

I would imagine he was doing that to distract you and also as a range finder.

[Payak]

an experienced fighter will get around that extended arm very easily.

[trebor]

an experienced fighter will get around that extended arm very easily.

how? not being rude just wondering what they would do?

[Too Defensive]

Originally Posted by Payak

an experienced fighter will get around that extended arm very easily.

bat it aside?

[Snubnoze707]

Let me guess he watched the Shogun vs Machida fight and heard Goldberg talk about "Typical Thai style with the lead hand straight out like that"

Newsflash, Goldberg is a fucking idiot. That is not "typical Thai style". The only time you will see someone in Thai stance with his arms out is when both fighters are engaging in clinch fighting.

Goldberg also somehow feels that Mark Delegrati invented the concept of stepping into round kicks as well...

[Steakeater]

Originally Posted by trebor

how? not being rude just wondering what they would do?

If someone stuck their arm out like that then I wouldnt even need to jab.

[dubble]

I'd probably try to make the guy pay for not keeping his ribs covered on that side.
Feint a jab, slip right and bury a right in his ribs under his extended left arm.

[Snubnoze707]

Right mid to the ribs or overhand right over the top of the lead arm...

[FFJC805]

i use it sometimes, but theres a time and place. opponents with shorter reach, timid guys...just another tool in the toolbox, not one to use all the time.