Methods of measuring punch power progression?

[brown bomber]

I'm looking for an accurate test of punch power- can't really think of one other then bench press and med ball throws that might give me some indication of power generated by the punching muscles? Any idea's??

[thejokerswild]

Hit the bag, watch the swing.

I rekon 1rm would be an indicator of upper body strength in the punch.

Real punchers know how to use their whole body though, a lot of the time not even big guys. Like Dempsey.

[brown bomber]

1RM on a core ball?

[KillSomething]

1RM on punching someone in the head should do it =D

[lefty]

Originally Posted by brown bomber

I'm looking for an accurate test of punch power- can't really think of one other then this that might give me some indication of power generated by the punching muscles? Any idea's??

It'd be a good indication of the power generated when you throw arm punches or slap. Wait, what am I saying, no it wouldn't.
They say there is no such thing as a stupid question. They are wrong.

[boxbible]

Too many other factors involved to be able to use one single measurement to predict punching power.

- elasticity of fibres and tendons
- speed of individual fibre contractions
- rate at which fibres can be contracted simultaneously
- speed at which muscle can change from lengthening to contraction
- coordination and timing to be able to lock punches

These are just some of the other factors that make up punching power. All punchers have a mixture of these qualities which is why you have different types of punchers. Like a clubbing puncher like Sam Peter or George Foremen to concussive punchers like Julian Jackson or Ernie Shavers.

[brown bomber]

Originally Posted by lefty

It'd be a good indication of the power generated when you throw arm punches or slap. Wait, what am I saying, no it wouldn't.
They say there is no such thing as a stupid question. They are wrong.

How is it a stupid question... i'm asking for idea's you dumbass. How would you track the progression of your punch power? How do you track progression of your training?

I'm fully aware of the various coincidences and assisting factors that cause a KO and thats not what i'm asking for. I'm looking to track improvements in power and wondering if anyone has come across ways in which this may have been done.

Med ball throw distance might be another method but I want a simple test that might give me an indication of progression- so instead of smart arse answers try and call upon experiences or idea's, unless you have neither of either.

[brown bomber]

Originally Posted by boxbible

Too many other factors involved to be able to use one single measurement to predict punching power.

- elasticity of fibres and tendons
- speed of individual fibre contractions
- rate at which fibres can be contracted simultaneously
- speed at which muscle can change from lengthening to contraction
- coordination and timing to be able to lock punches

These are just some of the other factors that make up punching power. All punchers have a mixture of these qualities which is why you have different types of punchers. Like a clubbing puncher like Sam Peter or George Foremen to concussive punchers like Julian Jackson or Ernie Shavers.

OK your on my wave length.... Any idea's other then 1RM... I want to take the a second individuals opinion out of the test. I want something more concrete.

As earlier I think a 1RM bench press is going to use similar muscles to the cross so the strength of the muscles ability to work against a resistence would surely be relevant.

Additionally a measured two handed med-ball throw from a boxing stance might give a better indication as it fits that speed x strength = power equasion.

Anything you can suggesT?

[brown bomber]

Originally Posted by thejokerswild

Hit the bag, watch the swing.

I rekon 1rm would be an indicator of upper body strength in the punch.

Real punchers know how to use their whole body though, a lot of the time not even big guys. Like Dempsey.

I'm only looking to measure for the individual, not compare cross weights if you get me.

[mryeags]

No chance mate .... i dislike benching and aint that great at it ...max 130kg for 4 reps but when i boxed I had a decent bang on me - saying that i had a dodgy chin so it was hit or be hit time ...

[elTerrible]

Most pros like to test their power on laundry hampers. If you can put a big dent in it then you got pretty good power.

[RDJ]

The number of decibels your opponent generates when he yells ouch that hurt.

[doylexxx]

bench is a chest exercise though lol

[SILVIO_DANTE]

No because if you're doing it right then most of your power comes from your hips and driving up through your thighs.

[thejokerswild]

Originally Posted by brown bomber

I'm only looking to measure for the individual, not compare cross weights if you get me.

Interesting thread. Ever see those heavy bags that measure force with impact sensors?

It's about time they thought about making them mainstream, definitely useful in the boxing gym.