Punching Technique

[greynotsoold]

For a guy to punch really well he needs to turn his weight ahead of his hands. Watch any good puncher and you'll see this. If your weight is behind your hands you are pushing your punches.
You can push pretty hard and guys have been successful doing it that way. But it leads to balance issues and defensive liabilities. When you do it right all the movements are the same and it all flows together.
If you are having a problem getting somebody to move the weight on their feet first have them punch moving backwards. Straight right, hook, uppercuts. You'll be surprised.

[StrictlySP]

Hi Grey,
You brought up some salient points punctuated with an excellent tip at the end.

Here are some thoughts...

It's really important to establish a solid foundation with stance and balance in movement/footwork right from the get-go. Optimally this should be established to a competent level before punching technique is introduced. Now, once this realm is segued into from that, it's important to make a clear distinction between "snapping" punches and "pushing" punches, emphasizing that the former is superior to the latter in all respects. This is done with clear explanations & analogies, demonstrations (with actual & comparative sporting actions), and instructions.

In terms of as you said "...a guy to punch really well he needs to turn his weight ahead of his hands," this can be elucidated and distinguished with an instructional/demonstrative/application focus on hip action preceding hand action (with and without taking a "trigger" step). On that note, one thing I'll do to drive home this point is have a student swing a baseball bat, swing a golf club, forehand swing a tennis racquet, AND throw a straight right (or left if southpaw) and a hook (lead and rear) with eyes open then with eyes closed to really "feel" the kinetic chain action. This has worked well for me in elucidating the hip-before-hand sequential torque that's an integral part of "snapping" punches.

Take Care,
Lito

[Scrap]

In all of this, its important to understand, body works all or nothing. Meaning the opposite side, of the side that is delivering the punch, is doing the same amount of work as the productive side.

[Scrap]

Plus I see so many on the pads, throwing10 punch combos, if you hit aguy 3 good shots its a good idea to change position. Regarding distance depth and angle, youve been in that spot a bit too long . when working technique, take your time feel movement understand it.. even do it slow motion let things you do relate to how you propose to perform, as regards movement.

[jms]

Plus I see so many on the pads, throwing10 punch combos, if you hit aguy 3 good shots its a good idea to change position. Regarding distance depth and angle, youve been in that spot a bit too long . when working technique, take your time feel movement understand it.. even do it slow motion let things you do relate to how you propose to perform, as regards movement.

Great stuff! It's not about looking pretty. I think a lot of people try to go too fast. There's a quote, something along the lines of "in no sport is the temptation to run before you can walk greater than in boxing". Forget who said it, it might have been in Dempsey's book.

[greynotsoold]

Hitting a heavy bag that is too heavy and/or doesn't swing will ruin your footwork and punching techniques.

[Scrap]

Hitting a heavy bag that is too heavy and/or doesn't swing will ruin your footwork and punching techniques.

Think theres a few ways of looking at that Joe.I do a thing where we tie the backfoot, to the ring on the underside of the bag, jab arm 6" from the bag, it doesnt matter how heavy the bag is. So you have to move the bag doesnt, works a treat, plus the legs cant cross. Had a video of it but lost it.

[Scrap]

Oh its tied with elastic rope on a swivvel.

[Manos de Piedra]

Amazing stuff guys.

[jms]

You know what's worth mentioning too is a lot of people don't throw their punch from the right position. If your starting position is off, your punch is ruined before you throw it.

[showmi]

Plus I see so many on the pads,

throwing10 punch combos, if you hit aguy 3 good shots its a good idea to change position

. Regarding distance depth and angle, youve been in that spot a bit too long . when working technique, take your time feel movement understand it.. even do it slow motion let things you do relate to how you propose to perform, as regards movement.

You brought up a valid point! However in regards to reaction punches or 10 punch combos the argument is that an old and weaker fighter isn't strong enough to stand a slug it out with a slugger therefore he must throw more punches than quality hard punches. This is why mayweather and Weldon use modern boxing. Is it fair to say scrap that what your saying is no longer applied in boxing?

[greynotsoold]

What he is saying, in those two posts, is some of the most astute things you will ever hear. You have to be able to move as you punch, change angles. While punching hard, fast, and accurately.

[showmi]

QUOTE=greynotsoold;1329204]What he is saying, in those two posts, is some of the most astute things you will ever hear. You have to be able to

move as you punch,

change angles. While punching hard, fast, and accurately.[/QUOTE]

is one foot off the ground while punching?

[showmi]

Grey you are deliberately ignoring the question! Is your foot off the ground while punching?

[greynotsoold]

No. Why would it be?