This Is a topic area that I have been asked so many questions on over the years. I do feel that the ability to be able to throw a punch quickly is a necessity In any combat situation. Many people get the terms "Punching Speed" and "Hand Speed" confused, Hand speed is the ability to move your Hands quickly, but the term Punching Speed is the ability to throw a punch quickly.
Punching is an art, and for some people being able to throw a proper punch Is very difficult. A punch doesn't just consist of your arm and hand, A punch consists of almost every part of the body from the feet to your shoulers. To throw a good punch you need to move your body in synchronization with your punch.
There are many variations on throwing a Punch, but all of them Include the basic synchronized movements of the Feet, Legs, Hips, Shoulders, Wrists, Elbow, Punching hand, Other hand. Ill go through the basic movements now
Movements of a Punch
Feet - This is a fundamental part of a punch. The feet act as a "anchor" and stop you from being forced back on Impact. Your feet need to be shoulder width apart and your Left foot should be slighty further foward than your right. (Swap around If left handed) This allows for more rotation In the Hips. And also narrows the angle your attacker has making you harder to strike.
Legs - The legs are also extreamly Important they help add Power to the punch. As you legs should already be shoulder width apart you should slighty bend your front knee, this to allows even more rotation In the Hips.
Knees - This is really a matter of preference. Some people prefer to slightly drop their knee when punching, only by afew inches. This can add a little more power and rotation, but If your not comfortable with it, you can leave it out.
Hips -This is where your punch gets the "Drive" almost all the power will be generated from here, its drastically important that you get this part right otherwise your blow will be weak. Know what you need to do Is rotate your Hips, but you need to rotate them as you Punch, and they always rotate In the same direction as your punch. (If punching with right hand rotate your Hips left etc) You need to rotate your hips about 45%
Shoulders -Yes you do need to move your shoulders by doing so you add about 5 inches to your punch. The shoulder thats on the side of the punching arm needs to be moved foward a few inches as you extend you arm, as this is happening your opposite shoulder needs to be pulled back afew inches.
Elbow -Before the punch your Elbow needs to be bent and as you begin the punching motion you need to begin straighting your Elbow so when you reach the point of Impact your elbow needs to be almost straight you always have a small bend In your elbow upon contact to avoid ingury.
Arm -Your arm acts as a bridge that channels the power of your punch, this part is quite simple as it only requires you to thrust your Arm forward In a quick violent movement.
It's vary Important to pull back your strike as quickly as you can to prevent it being grasped.
Whilst this happening make sure you retract your alternate hand with your shoulder and protect your face.
Wrist - This is injuries are most common and can be quite painful, but its very easy to avoid ingury. Your wrist MUST be straight, never punch with a bent wrist, unless you like pain. Make sure you wrist is straight upon Impact.
Punching hand -The area of your hand you want make Impact upon is your two front knuckles first, followed by the rest of your fist, do not attempt to turn your hand on contact because you could possibly break your side knuckles.
Thats the basics of a Punch,
On Contact
An important to do when Punching is to breath out, breath from the start until contact this causes your muscles to tense and results In a harder blow.
When you punch you need to remember to follow through with your target, dont punch the person, punch THROUGH the person do complete motions. Retracting your arm straight on contact means you loose power. Yes retract your arm quickly but follow through first.
The best way to throw an effective punch is practice, start off looking in a Full length mirror (If you have one) and go through the complete motions, then start punching a bag, pillow etc. Practice is the road to perfection.
Punching is an art, and for some people being able to throw a proper punch Is very difficult. A punch doesn't just consist of your arm and hand, A punch consists of almost every part of the body from the feet to your shoulers. To throw a good punch you need to move your body in synchronization with your punch.
There are many variations on throwing a Punch, but all of them Include the basic synchronized movements of the Feet, Legs, Hips, Shoulders, Wrists, Elbow, Punching hand, Other hand. Ill go through the basic movements now
Movements of a Punch
Feet - This is a fundamental part of a punch. The feet act as a "anchor" and stop you from being forced back on Impact. Your feet need to be shoulder width apart and your Left foot should be slighty further foward than your right. (Swap around If left handed) This allows for more rotation In the Hips. And also narrows the angle your attacker has making you harder to strike.
Legs - The legs are also extreamly Important they help add Power to the punch. As you legs should already be shoulder width apart you should slighty bend your front knee, this to allows even more rotation In the Hips.
Knees - This is really a matter of preference. Some people prefer to slightly drop their knee when punching, only by afew inches. This can add a little more power and rotation, but If your not comfortable with it, you can leave it out.
Hips -This is where your punch gets the "Drive" almost all the power will be generated from here, its drastically important that you get this part right otherwise your blow will be weak. Know what you need to do Is rotate your Hips, but you need to rotate them as you Punch, and they always rotate In the same direction as your punch. (If punching with right hand rotate your Hips left etc) You need to rotate your hips about 45%
Shoulders -Yes you do need to move your shoulders by doing so you add about 5 inches to your punch. The shoulder thats on the side of the punching arm needs to be moved foward a few inches as you extend you arm, as this is happening your opposite shoulder needs to be pulled back afew inches.
Elbow -Before the punch your Elbow needs to be bent and as you begin the punching motion you need to begin straighting your Elbow so when you reach the point of Impact your elbow needs to be almost straight you always have a small bend In your elbow upon contact to avoid ingury.
Arm -Your arm acts as a bridge that channels the power of your punch, this part is quite simple as it only requires you to thrust your Arm forward In a quick violent movement.
It's vary Important to pull back your strike as quickly as you can to prevent it being grasped.
Whilst this happening make sure you retract your alternate hand with your shoulder and protect your face.
Wrist - This is injuries are most common and can be quite painful, but its very easy to avoid ingury. Your wrist MUST be straight, never punch with a bent wrist, unless you like pain. Make sure you wrist is straight upon Impact.
Punching hand -The area of your hand you want make Impact upon is your two front knuckles first, followed by the rest of your fist, do not attempt to turn your hand on contact because you could possibly break your side knuckles.
Thats the basics of a Punch,
On Contact
An important to do when Punching is to breath out, breath from the start until contact this causes your muscles to tense and results In a harder blow.
When you punch you need to remember to follow through with your target, dont punch the person, punch THROUGH the person do complete motions. Retracting your arm straight on contact means you loose power. Yes retract your arm quickly but follow through first.
The best way to throw an effective punch is practice, start off looking in a Full length mirror (If you have one) and go through the complete motions, then start punching a bag, pillow etc. Practice is the road to perfection.
This is a typical boxing 'Ready stance' it allows for quick movement to either side and your hands up protecting the front and side of your face. Aswell as having your front hand a little further forward ready to strike.
