Technical analysis of amateur kickboxing ring matches: A comparison of orthodox and southpaw fighters

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine punching and kicking techniques used by orthodox and southpaw fighters in amateur ring matches held during the 2023 Kickboxing World Senior Championship using video analysis, and to compare technique frequency and landing rates according to guard type. Methods: This study employed a descriptive and comparative cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 300 amateur ring matches (orthodox: n = 263; southpaw: n = 37). Punching and kicking techniques were coded via video analysis according to right–left side and landing status. Normality was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t-tests, and effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' g, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in total punch or total kick counts (p = 0.841; p = 0.417). However, southpaw fighters demonstrated a significantly higher number of landed left straight punches (10.05 ± 7.45; p = 0.044; g = −0.35). In hook punches, orthodox fighters more frequently used the left hook (p = 0.002), whereas southpaw fighters more frequently applied the right hook and landed right hook techniques (p ≤ 0.005). For kicking techniques, orthodox fighters showed superiority in the right low kick and landed right low kick (p < 0.001), while southpaw fighters achieved significantly higher values in the landed left low kick (9.92 ± 5.31; p = 0.022; g = −0.40), left middle kick, landed left middle kick, left knee, and landed left knee techniques (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Guard type influences technical orientation and landing rates in kickboxing matches. While the lead limb is more effective in punching and the dominant rear limb in kicking, southpaw fighters demonstrate superior performance particularly in landed left straight punches, left middle kicks, and left knee techniques. These findings may contribute to training planning, technical–tactical preparation, and opponent analysis.