Boxing Techniques - The Right cross from an orthodox stance
The Right cross will soon become your favourite punch because this punch is thrown from your preferred hand which is usually the strongest.
From the guard position, the right cross is thrown in a straight line to the target and comes back in a straight line to the chin. Unlike the jab which is more of an arm punch, the right cross is powered by a twisting motion of the torso and pivoting of the right foot.
As the punch accelerates, twist your hips and pivot on your right foot so your right heel swings outwards.
The right cross is a power punch but because of the weight transfer it can also leave you exposed without a boxers stance for a split second. This is why it is important to return back to guard as quick as possible.
You should never lead with your right cross - instead, probe your opponents defences with your jabs, create an opening then throw your right cross with power.
Practice the right cross on the heavy bag, using a light left jab to measure the distance, after the heavy bag, move onto a more mobile target like the focus pads, concentrate on maintaining your balance as the punch makes contact.
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The Left hook and the right uppercut from an Orthodox stance
LEFT HOOK
The left hook is technically one of the most difficult punches to learn, but if correctly executed it can be a powerful weapon , whether used at medium to full range, to the head or body.
The punch starts with a weight transfer to the left side, the left elbow is brought up almost parallel to the floor so that the arm forms a sort of hook shape ; your left palm should be facing downwards, at the same time, pivot on the ball of your left foot, left heel facing outwards, your left leg and torso turning sharply to the right. Hit through the target.
Note that the arm does not move independently, it is powered by the leg, hips and back in a twisting motion.
The hook is a difficult punch to defend against because it is thrown from outside the line of your opponents vision.
When throwing the left hook, remember to keep your right hand up and recover your left hand back to guard.
RIGHT UPPERCUT
The uppercut is a very useful close/medium range punch. It is delivered straight up inside your opponents guard.
The uppercut is also a favoured punch for a tall fighter against a much smaller crouching opponent.
At medium range the uppercut can be a devastating counter punch.
Transfer your weight slightly to your right hand side, dip your knees slightly so your right elbow nears your hip, rotate your fist (palm facing yourself), without cocking your arm back, propel the punch upwards by twisting your torso ( right side of your body), accelerate, contact and recover to guard.
Care must be taken not to telegraph the punch.
Note for southpaws
If you are left handed or prefer to box with the right foot forward, reverse the instructions where applicable.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
