Secrets to Using the Right Hand As a Boxer

Boxing is a combat sport which limits the legal strikes to standing strikes with the hands. A successful boxer utilizes his hands both offensively and defensively. To properly develop your skills as a boxer, a variety of techniques are studied and practiced until they become second nature and can be implemented effectively in the ring.

  1. Defense

    • The hands of a boxer not only provide him with offense but also protect him from the strikes of his opponent. When not being fired out in a punch, the right hand must stay in position near the head to defend against a head strike, or near the midsection to defend against a body blow. In conjunction with head movement and footwork, proper hand placement ensures that a boxer takes as little damage as possible.

    Straight Punches

    • Straight punches are the foundation of a boxer's repertoire. For an orthodox fighter who stands with his left leg and hand forward, the straight punch is a power technique. The boxer's weight is driven forward onto his left leg as the punch is thrown, allowing the hand to strike the opponent with great force. For a southpaw who stands with his right leg and arm forward, the straight right jab is a feeler punch. Little weight transfer occurs, minimizing the damage dealt, but this allows the punch to be thrown quickly to score points and find distance before using power punches.

    Hooks

    • Hooks are slower than straight punches, as they follow a parabolic path to the opponent, however they land harder. Whether the right hand is his lead hand or rear hand, the weight of the boxer shifts forward as the punch as thrown in an arc parallel to the ground, either to the head in search of a knockout or to the body to steal the opponent's wind. When throwing a left hook, the right hand remains close to the boxer's chin to defend against a counter-punch, as a well timed straight punch by an opponent can land before a hook.

    Uppercuts

    • The upper cut is a powerful punch thrown when an opening is seen between the hands of an opponent. As with a hook and a rear-hand straight, a boxer shifts his weight forward so the majority of his weight is on his left leg when throwing a right upper cut. The right arm is driven toward the opponent, starting low near the midsection and driving up into the chin. As with a hook, when a left uppercut is thrown, the right hand must be kept near the chin as a defensive aid.