To have a fully upright stance, the boxer stands with the legs shoulder-width apart. The rear foot is half-step behind the lead foot. Right-handed or orthodox boxers have the left foot and fist ahead. Both the feet are pointed just inward. The right heel is lifted from the ground. The lead fist is placed vertically nearly six inches in front of the face at eye level. The rear fist is placed beside the chin. The elbow must be held against the ribcage to protect the body. The chin must be tucked in the chest to avoid punches to the jaw that cause knock-outs. Left-handed or southpaw fighters adopt a mirror image of the orthodox stance. Sometimes the cheeks or foreheads are tapped with the fists to remember to keep the hands upwards.