Boxing instructions on throwing an affective punch including stances, proper fist formation and arm position.
When a physical confrontation with someone is unavoidable, it is imperative you know how to not only block an incoming strike but also be able to strike back.
The simplest of punches to learn is the forward punch and is best executed while you are in what some styles of martial arts call a "fighting stance."
In a fighting stance you want to have your strongest side towards your opponent. Assuming you are right handed, your right arm, side and leg will be all that is facing forward with the arm itself kept close to the body. This narrows the size of the target an attacker has.
Your feet are planted apart at shoulder width and your knees are bent. You will want more of your weight on the balls of your feet so you can move more quickly to avoid any oncoming punches or kicks. Your right fist and arm are in a parallel line with your body, with the knuckles of your hand just below eye level. The fist is rotated so the back of your hand and forearm is facing your opponent. From this position you can execute blocks and throw punches.
When throwing a punch you must first have a proper fist made. A common mistake made by beginners is to have the thumb inside the fist with the other fingers surrounding it. When a fist is made this way and actually connects with an opponent the thumb can become sprung or even broken. When this happens, you have lost use of a major component in your choice of weapons.
Another mistake often seen in fists is the thumb on the outside but sticking up and away from the rest of the hand. The preferred thumb position is wrapped around and across the rest of the fingers but not extending above their first joint. This fist should always be kept in a straight line with the wrist and arm. Bending at the wrist can cause pain and injury.
When throwing a punch you want to make sure the first two knuckles of the hand connect first. These are the knuckles above the index and middle fingers. You also want to hit square on these knuckles and not a combination of knuckle and first section of your fingers. It is easy to pop or sprain a finger if they hit first.
As you start to throw the punch, come straight out from the body and keep your head and back straight. Do not lean into the punch as this opens your head up for a hit plus puts you off balance. Breathe out or yell as you throw the punch to focus your power and always imagine you are aiming at the other side of your opponent.
If you limit yourself to his face, chest or stomach, this is where you will pull your punch and it will have little or no power. By seeing your fist go through his body, you will carry through with the punch and have a greater amount of force behind it. Imagining your fist carrying through is one of the requirements to board breaking.
It is important to remember when throwing a punch to draw it back as fast as you can. Don't hit the fellow and leave it sticking out at him. Bring it right back to the guard position and if possible follow it up with a second punch or a punch from the rear hand. A steady stream of strikes will be much more affective than one punch, pause, another punch, pause and so forth. You will also want to alternate your striking targets so your opponent won't be able to anticipate your moves as easily.
The best way to throw an effective punch is to practice. This can be done in the air, on a punching bag, into a cushion or even a large sack of dog food. Speed and power will build over time and repeated practice.
