How to Develop Faster Punches

Punching speed is an important asset for a fighter. World-famous martial artist Bruce Lee believes that speed and power go hand-in-hand and that both are necessary to become a successful fighter. He also believes that a person's strength and power is wasted if he is slow and unable to make contact. You can increase your punching speed through various training methods, including punching drills, shadowboxing and isometric exercises.

Things You'll Need

  • Candle
  • Match or lighter
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Instructions

  1. Punching Drills

    • 1

      Light a candle and place it on an elevated surface.

    • 2

      Punch using a back fist in the direction of the candle so that your fist is a couple cm away from the candle. Your goal is to extinguish the flame through the acceleration of your punch. Perform a back fist by assuming a fighting stance so that one foot is in front of the other. Hold your arms close to your chest and extend your leading arm toward the target using your elbow joint (see "References" for a video demonstration of the back fist technique).

    • 3

      Continue practicing in short sessions so as to not overwork your arm. You can practice using your other arm if one arm becomes fatigued. Over time, you will develop punching speed and should be able to extinguish the flame.

    Shadowboxing

    • 4

      Plan a shadowboxing routine using a variety of punches and movements including jabs, hooks, uppercuts, sidesteps, back steps and front steps. You can write your routines on a sheet of paper and post them on a wall so you can see them while you shadowbox. An example routine could consist of two right jabs, sidestep, two left jabs, back step, right hook, left hook, front step, left uppercut, right uppercut, back step... and so on.

    • 5

      Move to an open area and assume a relaxed fighting stance. This will prevent you from becoming stiff and tired too quickly. A loose and relaxed posture during shadowboxing is conducive to speed.

    • 6

      Perform your routine for three minutes (one round) and rest for a minute. Repeat your routine or follow a different one if you complete it before three minutes is over. Try to finish three rounds before quitting. You can add rounds depending on your endurance and comfort level.

    Isometric Exercise

    • 7

      Go to a solid (unmovable) wall and position yourself so it looks like you're punching the wall.

    • 8

      Use your fist to push against the wall as hard as you can without actually moving your arm.

    • 9

      Continue pushing against the wall for 10 to 15 seconds then rest. Repeat this process with your other arm and alternate until you have completed three sets.