Different Type of Punches

A punch is a blow struck with the fist, normally making contact with the knuckles. Various punch techniques focus on position of feet, angle of elbow, whether the punch is thrown with the lead hand or rear hand, which area of the opponent's body is targeted, and other more subtle details of body position. Generally, open-handed strikes are not considered punches.

  1. Jab

    • The jab is a rapid punch thrown with the lead hand, with full extension of the arm in front. Although not a power punch, the jab can be an effective offensive weapon, as well as an excellent tool for maintaining fighting distance. The jab relies on a quick delivery with power emanating from the shoulder, which can provide considerable force as a counterpunch. It is also useful for setting up combinations of more powerful punches.

    Cross

    • The cross is a power punch delivered by the rear arm. It is a straight-line punch, delivered with a strong weight transfer off the back foot. While the cross can be thrown as a lead punch, more often a fighter will set up an opponent with a jab, or perhaps a hook, from the lead hand.

    Hook

    • The hook is a punch that is delivered from the side, with a bent elbow, and the body twisting to provide extra energy for the blow. The hook requires good technique, as a loosely delivered punch can leave the body open to a counterpunch. The hook should be delivered with the elbow at the same height as the fist, with feet turning and initiating a twisting motion through the hips and torso. Most hooks target the head or the kidney area.

    Uppercut

    • An uppercut is delivered from below, generally to the jaw area. It is an excellent punch for fighting close in, or while in a clinch. For proper technique, an uppercut should be a compact punch, and the fist should not drop too far with the initial motion. Rather, the fist should attain initial position through bending the knees and rotating the shoulders. Power is delivered as knees extend and shoulders rotate back toward the direction of the punch. When delivered properly, an uppercut can be a surprising and powerful strike with knockout potential.

    Other Punches

    • Various martial arts disciplines teach countless variations of these four most basic techniques, plus many other types of punches. For example, a back fist is a common punch in kung fu, and is a quick and surprising strike. A hammer fist punch mimics the action of hammering a nail, striking with the side of the hand. An overhand punch is a looping variation of the cross, which is used when the opponent has his head in a low position.