How to Punch Faster & Stronger

As a boxer or martial artist, the ability to punch quickly with power is an essential skill. A stronger athlete will obviously have a comparative advantage, but executing the correct technique is of more importance to punch quickly, efficiently and with maximum force. Punching strength does not come solely from the arms -- shifting your weight to employ greater strength from your legs, back and core will create a more powerful punch. Use these guidelines to help you adopt the correct punching technique, ensuring you punch at maximum speed and with the greatest force possible.

Instructions

  1. Fighting Stance

    • 1

      Stand side-on with your left foot forward and rotate your head over your left shoulder to face forwards.

    • 2

      Place you left hand slightly in front of you level with your shoulder. Hold your right hand next to the right-hand side of your chin. Keep your elbows tucked into your sides.

    • 3

      Practice shadow-boxing in this stance, punching with both hands and shifting your weight back and fourth between your legs.

    Hook

    • 4

      Adopt the fighting stance.

    • 5

      Shift your weight quickly onto your rear leg by rotating at the hips and pivoting on your front foot.

    • 6

      Hook your right arm across your body quickly and forcefully as you shift your weight. The aim is to utilize the strength from the rotation and weight-shift to put more power and speed into the punch. Keep you palms facing down or towards you when executing a hook.

    Cross-punch

    • 7

      Adopt the fighting stance.

    • 8

      Drive your weight forward onto your left leg, pivoting on your right foot.

    • 9

      Rotate at the hips and drive you right arm forward, extending you arm forcefully in a straight line to execute the punch.