29 July 2014

Punch Properly

| Ben Edwards
Join the conversation
2
punch-properly-a

Here is the companion article to last weeks article on holding focus mitts correctly.

This information is practical to anyone who throws punches whether for fitness, self defence or competition.

The single most important aspect of fighting I drill into all my of my students whilst kicking and punching thing is: You have to keep your balance at all times, if you don’t have your balance you don’t have anything. I am quite guilty of breaking this rule, I have been know to over commit to a shot and becoming off balance after the punch is thrown. You must find the happy median where you can punch at maximum speed and power but if the punch misses you will still have your balance and will have minimised the chance of you being countered.

The second most important I preach is vision, if you can’t see your opponent then chances are you can’t hit them and you can’t defend yourself.

‘Keep your hands up’ is pretty much the first thing every fighter learns, this is obviously an important aspect of defence but whilst performing this technique you should have your gloves in a manner where you can still see your opponent at all times and in all positions.

Habits:

Whether hitting the mitts or shadow boxing, I always recommend exaggerating your movements. This creates beneficial habits and muscle memory so when you get too tired to think in a real fight situation you will still have excellent technique without even thinking about it. Never sacrifice offence for defence, every time you throw a punch pretend someone is trying to hit you at the exact same time make sure your other hand is glued to your jaw line.

The Jab:
punch-properly

The single most important punch in combat sports. The jab sets up everything, your distance and timing, as well as keeping your opponent off balance and blinded. If you don’t have a good jab, you have nothing.

The Hook:
punch-properly-c

A good hook ( lead preferably ) is in my opinion the best power shot in fighting. I believe it is superior to a cross because it is closer to your opponent therefore harder to see coming. If you want to finish fights have a good lead hook. (Photo courtesy of Elite Boxing)

The Cross:
punch-properly-b
The ‘go to’ power shot power shot for every fighter. A very effective shot, but easy to see coming unless set up with a jab to hide it. (Photo courtesy of jungdowon)

The Uppercut:
punch-properly-d

Another great shot that I have had a lot of success with that also needs to be set up properly to land. This punch more than any other leaves you susceptible to counters (the hook especially) so make sure your defence is on point when you throw it. (Photo courtesy of Expert Boxing)

Join the conversation

2
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

getting these basic moves to perfection is the key according to me.
JABS are the base for every move.one has to have a quick jab

Josh Mulrine5:43 pm 30 Jul 14

“Whether hitting the mitts or shadow boxing, I always recommend exaggerating your movements. This creates beneficial habits and muscle memory so when you get too tired to think in a real fight situation you will still have excellent technique without even thinking about it. Never sacrifice offence for defense, every time you throw a punch pretend someone is trying to hit you at the exact same time make sure your other hand is glued to your jaw line”.

Great advise Benny. It’s the unconscious competence that sets amateurs apart form professionals. Loving the articles.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.