That's basically the technique I use when I'm at a show in a really full pit next to the moshers. Having your elbows jut out lets them poke into people who are

That's basically the technique I use when I'm at a show in a really full pit next to the moshers. Having your elbows jut out lets them poke into people who are getting to close and lets you maintain a little bit of breathing room. I actually keep my hands in more of the "secret service stance" rather than on my hips so that if I'm pushed suddenly I'm more likely to have my arms available for balance, or grabbing/pushing people so I don't fall. Having your arms at your side is not good when you get pushed very suddenly because usually your arms get pinned to your sides and then they're completely useless. When things get really tight, I put my hands together in front of my chest (up by the sternum) and put my elbows against my sides. That forms a triangle and protects from the front and sides. Again, the hands are up and available so that they don't get pinned when I need them most.