subject: How to throw and efficient and effective straight punches(Jabs/Cross) [print this page] How to throw and efficient and effective straight punches(Jabs/Cross)
Introduction- The basic straight
You will be brought through the key points of throwing straights punches i.e. Jab (lead/front hand) & Cross (trail hand).
In addition, a strong defensive guard is just as important as you attempt to throw your straight punches. I stress on the word "attempt" as your opponent could also choose to evade, block, parry or counter your strikes, especially so if your strikes are telegraphic. Hence, a strong guard must be formed even as your attack.
Throwing the punch
Roll your fingers inwards and form a flat fist*. In doing so, note that area of contact are the knuckles of the index (digitus secundus manus) and middle (digitus mdius) fingers. In technical jargon, the contact points relate to the head of the metacarpals section of the hand.
If you are wearing gloves, it's the thickest ("fleshy") part that's making contact with the target.
In the natural position, the middle knuckle forms the apex of the fist and hence the fist is to be rotated slightly outwards in order for contact to be made. Without the rotation in a bare fist fight, the middle knuckle is thus prone to injury as the resultant force from the punch is fully absorbed by this portion.
The entire body works in unison as you throw the strike. By this, I mean that the core (abdominals + back) muscle group and the legs need to be engaged as well. Remember the twist and turn motion at the hips area.
The boxer's chin stays tight and is close to the left shoulder. This helps to guard against any strikes that may come as a counter to the jab being thrown.
Direction of force- A mental visualization of results
Have you been working hard on the heavy bag? Trying to hit the bag with all your might and attempt to make the bag "fly" or swing with each strikes?
If you are, then you probably need to think twice about striking method.
Recall that the aim of the strikes (punches or even kicks), is to hit (vs push) the target. If the bag is swinging wildly with each strike, do you think you are hitting or are you, in fact, pushing the bag?
Imagine your target is a bag filled with water. Your objective would then be to hit the bag and have waves travel through the bag and to the opposite side, forming a bulge.
Summary
The above paragraphs outline the key principles of the straight punches. In order for your straights to be effective and efficient, you would need to consider the important key points such as forming a proper fist, engaging the core and controlling of the path of the striking force.
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