How to Throw a Punch

“When I was a young fellow I was knocked down plenty. I wanted to stay down, but I couldn’t. I had to collect the two dollars for winning or go hungry. I had to get up. I was one of those hungry fighters. You could have hit me on the chin with a sledgehammer for five dollars. When you haven’t eaten for two days you’ll understand.” —Jack Dempsey

The Jab-Right-Hand Combination

Most people throw roundhouse punches, falling forward as they swing. The roundhouse punch, though it can be powerful, is telegraphed and awkward. Boxing’s jab and right hand are straight punches that gain power from speed and from the weight behind turning hips and shoulders.

The Stance: Face 90 degrees away from your opponent with your dominant hand directly away, then turn so your toes are 45 degrees towards your opponent. Keep your feet just wider than your shoulders, bend your knees slightly, and stay on your toes. Keep your elbows tucked into your chest. A right-handed fighter should look over his left hand, with his right by his right ear. It takes months of practice before you’ll be comfortable with this stance, but it keeps you balanced and protects your head and body from punches.

The Jab: A jab starts with your hand, not your arm. It goes straight out and straight back. Keep your hand and arm loose, and extend fully. Tighten your grip just before you strike and extend again through your target. Then snap your hand straight back. When you’ve learned how to jab, it should attain a whiplash effect as you try to jerk your hand back just before full extension.

The Right Hand: Like the jab, this punch begins with your hand. As your hand begins to move plant your front foot and pivot on your back foot. Don’t lean, just turn your hips and your shoulders. Keep your arm and body loose. Tighten your fist just before striking and punch through the target. Then pivot back and pull your hand straight back as fast as possible.