So I was taught in the basic guard to keep my fist closed. However, after doing research it says to keep your hands open then close on impact. Is one better than the other? When I say I close my fist, I don’t mean completely tensed up like a bodybuilder and shoulders shrugged up. Just closed fist, relaxed shoulders.
I advocate loosely closed and then making a hard fist as you punch. Basically squeeze your hand closed as your rotate your fist so that it’s solid upon impact. You squeeze a punch like you squeeze a trigger.
Your fist should only be tensed on impact, it's a skill that should be taught from day 1. Like any other skill that you are trying to aquire it will take time to perfect but is an essential part of boxing. By tensing the fist prior to impact you are slowing the punch down and exerting unnecessary energy as well as showing your opponent your intention to punch. Stay away from any coach/trainer that tells you to make a fist at the start of a punch.
Try hitting a bag for 10 rounds with a constantly clenched fist, you'll soon work out it's not the way to go. If you happen to meet a pro Russian boxer, ask him, believe me, he'll tell you that they are not trained that way.
whe you say block,you mean hands up covering the head,not parrying straights,right?like the defense joshua clottey does.
If it's the high guard then you should keep both fists closed, but not tightly closed. I use a more old school stance where the rear glove is open to parry and the front glove is closed, but not tightly closed.
I was taught to have your fists roughly like you’re holding an egg in each hand at all times. Obviously you close it when you’re about to make impact.