practicing defense alone

[Dave1066]

Dave.... Yes, one should ALWAYS follow through.

And you are correct that there are different views on the subject such as..... One should punch all the way through to the back of the target (in this case a bag) or one should hit the target with the idea of touching the spine, or one should aim to penetrate about 3 inches deep....

Either way you slice it, one has to punch through.

I tend to disagree with the above. Depends how far your stood away from the bag and what punch your throwing...The above quote proves my point actually. If your stood in orthodox stance. Punching a stright left, but not so that your left elbow fully locks. Then you are not following through properly, does not matter how deep you were hoping to penetrate on the target. If you arn't locking your elbow out in straight punches, then it is not following through and not transfering maximum energy. The locking of the elbow is important. With my technique on straights, it doesn't matter at what range I'm at from the bag. Because I fully follow through and lock the elbow and make a fist on impact, Dempsey style. If you do that at close range it will cause the bag to swing, it is not pushing. And it fully transfers maximum energy. And the time the fist is away from your face is no longer than a glance or a tap. I have never had a complaint at the two gyms I've use this at. Infact its been noted how much energy I transfer.....I have seen guys using your techniques. Which is great if it works for you and them great. Their both viable styles. But I go for maximum power more so than all out speed. More or an slugger inside boxer style...Having said that my fists are fast..