Hey guys just got done shadowboxing today and I have to admit punches look sloppy and feels like I'm wasting energy on inefficient punches.. Any advice on what how to sharpen up punches for when I spar/fight?
I've been told to just snap the punches as if your snapping a towel to get that fast snapping punches. And not to push through with the punches, but just pull the punch back right after you throw it. But it's not always going to happen in sparring/fighting because it's a whole different game than just hitting bags or shadow boxing, but my best advice is just keep training working on all aspects of the game. And eventually it'll starting developing naturally if you train hard and have a good coach with you.
That is not accurate. You never ever ever pull a punch back- all force goes away from the body, and you always punch through your target, both driving your fist through and by turning your hips and shoulders through the target. The snap in your punches, that crisp motion comes from your hips and shoulders. If your motion in turning your hips and shoulders is slow, rolling and gentle, then your punches will be as well. The motion needs to be sharp and violent. Your shoulders drive your arms out and, as they recoil, your arm retracts. You never pull a punch back.
Are you somewhat new to boxing? You have to build up to it. Rarely do people ever have fast crisp punches when they start. Usually most newbies begin by pushing their punches, which does look sloppy and slow. So you naturally build up to the coordination. I agree 100% with what Grey says.....with a caveat...that it's very hard/unlikely to achieve this crisp-ness as a beginner, but something you do gradually.
Work on your proper techniques first. Chin tucked, hands high, elbows protecting your ribs, liver, and legs alil bent ready to unleash your offense or defense to spring away or by planting yourself and using your waist to avoid punches. You might of felt sloppy for many reasons, unfocused with 1,000 things in your head personal issues, injury, aging, etc. That I can't help you. But regarding power, technically some basic stuff is being within YOUR range of your opponent by stepping in and plant your feet, and rotating at your upperbody from the waist putting your weight behind your trigger punch. Very important you keep your powerpunch at your eye level with your elbow right behind it to maximize the punch. Simple technique, but its easier said than done and,even pros forget. Physically, military pushups help with explosiveness as do shadowboxing with 1-2 lbs aerobic fufu weights for 3 rounds. Then shadowbox 3 rnds without them. Ever jog with ankle weights, takem off, and you feel alot quicker, lighter? Samething. Buena suerte. Godspeed.
Work on your foot placement & balance. Seriously, if that isn't perfect, you'll never achieve maximum speed. Plus everything elchivito just wrote. (Good post, bro!) Also look into Plyometrics.
I'm new to boxing but I've been in plenty of street fights(know Its not the same but at least I've been in fights and can hold my own)I sparred at my gym only once and the trainer told me I'm really raw but I have an idea of wat I'm doing. He said my jab was weak but I move around much better than he thought I would. Any ways I watch the (good)pros and it seems like their combinations(particularly on the inside) are so accurate and efficient which is why I ask if there's anything I can do to improve
Power punch meaning punch that I use that does most damage? That would prolly be overhand right(I'm orthodox btw)
Thanks for clarifying. That makes things a whole lot clearer. Well, i'm sure there are still 100 things we can suggest to improve your jab or crisper punches on the inside. A laundry list of tips likely won't help much right now, again - as most of it will come naturally. So i'll keep the advice simple: Jabs - practice, practice, practice on a bag. Make sure you exhale with a sharp "shh" each time and use visualization to see it more as a pop, than a punch. Visualize it as if you're pulling a trigger and shooting it out. Only thru prolonged practice can one improve their jab. Inside work - relax and cover up - be patient and look for your openings. When the opportunity's there, know what combo you're gonna throw first and then execute (I know I sound like Captain Obvious, but a lot of guys don't think, they just swing as fast and hard as possible). When you actually execute - don't tense up and go for power - instead relax and go for speed (be mindful that you are not jamming up your punches too short). Crispness and speed are funny things. Most beginners focus too much on trying to punch faster, but this singular focus often doesn't work well. Take your focus away from speed - instead the basis of speed relies first on things like proper relaxation and good reflexes which means properly trained eyes. By trained eyes, I simply mean your eyes are not closed when you get punched, or all over the place (as most beginners tend to do). More seasoned fighters have a clear and constant focus which is minimally disturbed (or not at all) by getting punche in the face. Which helps them observe their partner clearly and react accordingly or make adjustments.
