Delivering punches is an absolute staple in boxing, and as a result, it is definitely worth leaning into this question. What are the most important punches and how can you effectively master them?
At the outset, it is worth noting that in order to properly master the technique of delivering boxing punches, we do not need at all to visit a club. However, learning on your own is not the easiest thing to do, and even with regular work at home we will probably not be able to achieve perfect skills in this area. Nevertheless – unless you are a professional athlete – boxing is supposed to be, above all, fun, and for this, home conditions should definitely be enough.
The punches in boxing are divided into several types due to the differences and similarities in the movements performed. There are three basic types of punches: straight, sickle and punch from the bottom. In addition, each of them can be performed – depending on the situation – with the right or left hand, directing them at the head or torso. The result is full phrases commonly used in professional boxing, such as the right straight punch to the head, or the popular right or left hook. Also of significance is the leg to which the weight is transferred when delivering a given punch, as well as whether one strikes from the spot or with a step. Let’s now take a look at what basic boxing punches should look like in theory.
The easiest type of punches. It is worth noting the differences between its ramifications depending on the hand. A straight punch with the left hand is delivered in the shortest line, so the hand should go straight ahead, without tilting the elbow to the side. The entire sequence begins with a slight twist at the hip and ends with a lunge of the hand. In the final position, our fist should be at nose level, while the straightened shoulder protects the jaw from blows.
A straight punch with the right hand is derived similarly, with one difference – it is stronger. This means that at the time of its infliction we must stand firmly on our feet and not lean forward. In this case, as well as when delivering a straight punch with the left hand, the weight of the body is 60 percent on the left leg.
Slightly more technically advanced, but at the same time extremely effective type of blows, which can cause us some problems at first. Correctly delivered sickle punches presuppose strong twists of the shoulders and hips. In practice, the derivation of this type of blow looks like this: we move the shoulder back significantly, and then push the hip forward, inflicting a blow. The safest position of the hand is to maintain a right angle at the elbow and the wrist slightly directed to the center of the hand. This will make the blow even more powerful and spread it across the knuckles.
Punches from the bottom, also called hooks, are inflicted quite narrowly, being at half distance. The angle at the elbow should again be 90 degrees. In order to properly deliver a punch from the bottom, the shoulder of the striking hand should be pushed upward, retracting the shoulder of the opposing hand in the meantime. This will allow us to maximize the force of our blow. Hooks will work well both as attacking blows (but not starting an attack) and as counter blows. When inflicting them, they are aimed at the liver, solar plexus or under the ribs.
main photo: unsplash.com/Hermes Rivera
