How to Punch

Knowing how to punch properly will prevent you from damaging your fist as well as maximising your ability focus the power. This ‘how to’ is designed for self-defence purposes only and teaches the straight/cross.

Photo Credit: Designlazy.com

Steps

1- The most important aspect of preventing injury is to close your fist with your thumb on the outside, not the inside. Also, be sure to align your wrist so that there is a straight line through your forearm to your first 2 fingers (not your ring finger or pinky). Don’t clench your fist too tightly.

2- Keep the angles straight. You want your punch to come from up high rather than down by your side in order to ensure better transition f power. Punching from shoulder height also has the added advantage of ensuring that your hand is near your face for protection.

3- Punch using your entire body but don’t over commit. Your arm should be the last thing that pushes; a punch starts from your shift your weight onto your front foot, driving through your hips, upper body torque, shoulder drive, and finally extension and pushing of your arm and swiftly extend forward. Don’t throw all of your weight forward as you may off balance yourself. Bring your hand straight back to protect your face.

4- Punch straight. Don’t over complicate things by trying to throw hooks or upper cuts. The most effective and powerful punches are those thrown straight, ether using your front or rear arm. These are also less likely to off balance you.

Tips

Practice practice practice. Punches should feel natural. The transition of power up your body should feel natural. Practice until it does so.