Most beginners make the same common mistakes. The most common are poor stances, open centers, off center positions, stiff arms, inconsistent forces, and in general, poor form. Beginners often feel these elements are not important, yet it is these things that result in their defeat.
The photos below show the difference between a poor Wing Chun stance and a good Wing Chun stance. A good stance has the pelvis tucked in, and is vertical (not leaning back or forward). You should feel solid as if sitting on a high stool. Also, you should feel your weight distributed evenly along your legs. If your stance is incorrect, then you will be off balanced easily by the opponent.
 Good stance vs poor stance |
 Poor stance off balanced |
Wing Chun teaches you to maintain your elbows in the center during close range combat. As soon as the opponent's elbows start to drift, then quick center attacks become possible. Light slaps to the chest are usually used to indicate to the opponent that his center is open.
 Good center position |
 Open center and counter |
With practice, it becomes easy to detect when the opponent has deviated from the center line. This is because the basic rolling action emphasizes keeping everything exactly in the center. With enough practice, an off center opponent feels incorrect. It feels as if he has a hole in his defense into which you can just fall with your counter-attack. If the opponent's high right Fook sau drifts towards your left, therefore exposing his center, then you can counter with a palm up neck hit. If the opponent's high right Fook sau drifts towards your right so as to cross his arms, then you can counter with a Lap sau and neck chop or punch. Another option is to apply an elbow.
 Off center left and counter |
 Off center right and counter |