I recently had an 'Ah Ha!' moment when the light bulb went off for me. A coach pointed out something I was doing while I was working the heavy bag. He told me, with your straight punches, make sure the shoulder you are punching with touches you chin EACH TIME you throw. This is of course to provides you with protection against a counter (which I knew), but I learned 2 other things. I got so much more power on my shots. I wasnt 'pushing' the shot, but rather driving the punch. I could feel my whole body weight strike the bag with each blow. And I found that I was short changing myself on my distance. Especially with the back hand, my right. I found that I could punch maybe an extra 3-4 inches forward without reaching. And of course a few inches make all the difference in the world. I used to beat myself up on why my right hand wouldn't land as much, and I really think I finally solved it. I know that when you turn your punches over, this causes the rotation and extension in your rotator cuff, extending the arm to its maximum. I think in my effort to speed up my punches, I was barely even turning them over! I can't wait to spar this week. Is this just a basic fundemental that I missed or neglicted??
It's a basic that was missed or neglected. Sometimes it takes awhile to incorporate the common sense things that you should be doing, I wasn't moving much or even trying to move my head until I trained for a few months. Having a coach who notices your bad habits can make all the difference.
This helps a lot defensively as well. Counters will either miss your chin and hit the top of the head or smack into your shoulder. Very underrated fundamental in my opinion.
I'm sure looking back the main reason I got away from this is trying to make my hands faster. I was looking for speed, and neglicting everything else. My strengths are my jab and handspeed, so I ended up with these short, quick punches, but they weren't techinically sound. I guess I just got away from the basics as soon as I learned them...
Very important fundamental - the way I was taught especially with the cross is to throw it like you're looking down the barrel of a gun. Chin to shoulder.
yeah funny thing is I learned about that few days ago too. Also when throwing a right hand you want to drive your hips with your punch so you get more power with it.
this was something along with making sure your hands always return to guard your face that i mentally made my self think of when i started! My coach was onto it right away to ! always used to mentally think right shoulder touch chin , punch thrown, hand return to chin. Its so ingrained now i dont even think of it!
