Note: If u do well this year u have to do even better for the next...so always leave room for improvement.
1. You should never ask a woman, "What do you want for Valentine's day?" The best present is to show that you "get her," which means you don't have to ask.
2. If you listen to her, she'll throw you a few hints. Look out for comments like, "I really need a ___," "Her necklace is so beautiful," "When's the last time we spent the day together?", or "We've never been to that restaurant!" If she says anything like this, that means she wants it.
3. Avoid any stuffed animal holding a cheap, red heart-shaped box. The entire red and pink aisle at CVS and Brooks pharmacy should only be scouted by high school freshmen boys.
4. If she bugs you for a massage every night, book her one with a professional. Can't bear someone else's hands all over her? Pretend she's at a spa and you're the masseuse. Buy massage oil, set up a table, and rub her back until she tells you to stop. It'll be happy ending for all...
5. Valentine's Day is not all about material objects. In fact, the more material it is, the less impressed she'll be. An electric razor? She'll be more likely to let her legs go prickly in protest than use it. If you want to purchase something, stick to the jewelry and lingerie.
6. You can cook a nice dinner, light a few candles, and share a decadent dessert, and it'll be more meaningful and intimate than any high-priced restaurant reservation.
7. Pick up or order a pricier bottle. Life's too short to drink cheap wine.
8. Don't wait until the last minute to pick out flowers. All you'll get is the last dog-eared bouquet. Actually, forget the flowers. They're overpriced this time of year, and you should really only give them when you want to cheer her up or say, "I'm sorry." They're the most last-minute gift you can give.
9. ...Unless you use the flowers more creatively. For some reason, women get wound up seeing roses torn up in little pieces and covering the bed or floating in a warm bubble bath you've drawn for us.
10. In the beginning of a serious relationship, get her a baby-potted plant. Attach a note that says, "I hope our relationship grows." If she waters it, she wants to keep you. And if you end up marrying her, it'll be a great memory.
11. Write her a poem. Even if it sounds like one of Adam Sandler's ballads, nothing says love like, "Your butt looks so good in those jeans -- I promise next time, I'll lay off the beans."
12. If it's booked, don't panic. You want to take her on a Valentine's weekend getaway, but all the places you choose aren't available. Don't ditch the idea. Choose another weekend. We won't mind the wait -- as long as you tell us what's in store.
13. Don't leave all the nasty chocolates in the box you gave her.
14. Never sign a card with just "Love, Larry." We skim over all the commercially printed words on there to see if you've written a message from your heart. If words really can't express how you feel about us, then you better draw a picture.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Box
Punches
JAB: The Jab is the MOST IMPORTANT PUNCH in a Boxers arsenal. If there is one punch that a Boxer could win a fight with by using that punch alone, it is the jab. When using the jab , the Boxer needs to have his
Jab
knees bent and chin down. The jab must come directly from the 'ready' position. Make sure you twist your arm in a cork - screw like motion just before impact. That is what will give you the SNAP you will need for a good punch. Try and feel your shoulder being thrust into the punch. Imagine a towel when you were a kid at the Pool and you used to 'whip it' at your friends ! The jab is just like that towel :)
HOOK : In my opinion, Felix Trinidad has one of the best hooks ever. He executes it with precision and speed that is among the best in the history of the game. Many fighters tend to really' load up' with their hooks, but the short, fast and direct hook that Trinidad
Hook
throws unquestionably gets the most effective results. In my opinion, the best time to throw the hook is when it follows your right cross ( as in the traditional combination of jab, right hand, left hook ). Throwing the right hand will and SHOULD put you in perfect position to let the left hook go.
STRAIGHT RIGHT HAND : When you throw your straight right, it should generally come right after the left jab is thrown. The punch , as with all punches , should not be telegraphed. The right hand should come from your face, right
Cross
by your chin where your right hand should be when you are in your ' ready stance'. It should be thrown directly from your face to your opponents face. The quickest and most direct way to get from one point to the next is in a straight line. I try to imagine that when I throw my jab , that my jab has traveled down a corridor. When you bring your jab back and let the right hand go it should travel down that same ' corridor'. I think Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns is a very good example of someone who throws a very well executed right hand.
UPPERCUT : The uppercut is one of the most dangerous punches in Boxing. When thrown as a part of a multi-punch combination it can have very good effect. Not many fighters consistently throw uppercuts so, because of that, most fighters do
Uppercut
not practice avoiding them very often. The punch is good when thrown at a variety of times, but I think after throwing a good left jab it is good to follow up with the right uppercut. The uppercut should usually be thrown during the course of 'in-fighting' , when you are close to your opponent. Throwing the uppercut from too far away leaves you in a position to be countered much more easily. Throwing the left jab sets up the uppercut very well. You should throw the uppercut in a way that allows you, upon completion of the punch, to be in a position to follow with a left hook afterwards. Mike Tyson is someone , among others, that has a very effective uppercut
COMBINATIONS : My own personal theory of combination punching is this - A Boxer should be able to , theoretically, throw a thousand punches in succession without losing balance. The reason being is that every single punch in a Boxers arsenal , when thrown properly, should leave the Boxer in a position where he can and will be able to throw another punch. For example, when you throw a left jab you should automatically be in a position to throw a straight right. When you finish with the right hand, you be in a position to throw a left hook, etc etc. If you throw a right hand, or any other punch , and you are off balance and NOT in a position to throw another punch afterwards and you find that you have to re-plant your foot to throw another punch then you DID NOT throw that punch properly. Roy Jones, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather are three Boxers that have the ability to throw very good Combinations.
TO SUM UP ' PUNCHING' : The game of Boxing requires that you be able to move well, slip punches, keep your hands up, be tough , etc etc. BUT the main thing , above all else , to win a fight you must THROW PUNCHES. In my opinion you should start by learning how to throw the left jab ( or right jab if you are a Southpaw). It is Human Nature to want to get started by throwing hooks and crosses and other ' Big punches' . But if you are serious about becoming a ' real Boxer' and want to develop real skills that will maybe take you to a higher level then you MUST concentrate on perfecting your left jab first. Even if it takes you MONTHS to do, you must have your coaches work with you on your jab until you can win rounds with ONLY that punch if need be.
BREATHING : The MAIN THING to remember when you are Boxing is to breathe through your NOSE and not your mouth. When you open your mouth too much and try to Breathe like that, it leaves you more susceptible to having your jaw injured. Be relaxed in there and you will not get as tired as you will if you are tight and nervous.
CIRCLING YOUR OPPONENT : In my opinion, a Boxer must be able to ' Box' and ' Fight'. If an opponent wants to be ' rough' with you, then you need to be able to 'box' so that you can neutralize his offense. If he wants to Box you, then you need to have the aggression and the skills to take him out of his Boxing mode. You should never stand directly in front of your opponent for more than a few seconds at a time. You should constantly be in a position where you can circle to the left or right every few seconds so that you do not give your opponent the chance to ' set up' . The longer you stay in one spot, the easier it is for your opponent to size you up and get off good punches on you.
Training : I recommend that a Boxer train Monday - Friday and take it easy on the weekend. The only thing you may need to do each weekend is keep up on your push-ups , sit-ups and jogging. During the week, it is usual for Boxers
to be in the Gym each day for about two hours. Each day of training should include Stretching, exercises , shadow-Boxing, skipping rope, punching the heavy bag and , on some days, sparring with other Boxers. Each Coach has his
or her methods of coaching you, but ALL Boxers should be in the Gym as often as they can during the week. Repetition is the KEY in becoming a good fighter. All your punches and footwork, etc. must be practiced very often and with great desire to perfect them.
Nutrition : Nutrition is EXTREMELY important to a Boxer. Each person differs in some cases but I can tell you to get the most out of your conditioning it would benefit a serious Boxer to avoid the following : Fried Foods, Butter, Soda, Cakes and Cookies, Ice Cream , Candy , Syrups and Dressing and most foods that contain a lot of Fat and are high in calories. Water, even more so that Gatorade, is the best fluid to take in. Steaks and Chicken with the majority of the fat cut off and cooked either by Broiling or Baking are very good. The key is to eat enough so that you can still be strong. NEVER FORGET , even when you are trying to cut weight, that without eating enough food you cannot be at peak strength. If you are forced to not eat for more than a day just so you can make weight for a match then you should more than likely not be Boxing at that weight. Try and stay away from fatty foods, Sugary food and JUNK FOOD. Drink a lot of Water and / or Gatorade ( at least a Gallon a day)
JAB: The Jab is the MOST IMPORTANT PUNCH in a Boxers arsenal. If there is one punch that a Boxer could win a fight with by using that punch alone, it is the jab. When using the jab , the Boxer needs to have his
Jab
knees bent and chin down. The jab must come directly from the 'ready' position. Make sure you twist your arm in a cork - screw like motion just before impact. That is what will give you the SNAP you will need for a good punch. Try and feel your shoulder being thrust into the punch. Imagine a towel when you were a kid at the Pool and you used to 'whip it' at your friends ! The jab is just like that towel :)
HOOK : In my opinion, Felix Trinidad has one of the best hooks ever. He executes it with precision and speed that is among the best in the history of the game. Many fighters tend to really' load up' with their hooks, but the short, fast and direct hook that Trinidad
Hook
throws unquestionably gets the most effective results. In my opinion, the best time to throw the hook is when it follows your right cross ( as in the traditional combination of jab, right hand, left hook ). Throwing the right hand will and SHOULD put you in perfect position to let the left hook go.
STRAIGHT RIGHT HAND : When you throw your straight right, it should generally come right after the left jab is thrown. The punch , as with all punches , should not be telegraphed. The right hand should come from your face, right
Cross
by your chin where your right hand should be when you are in your ' ready stance'. It should be thrown directly from your face to your opponents face. The quickest and most direct way to get from one point to the next is in a straight line. I try to imagine that when I throw my jab , that my jab has traveled down a corridor. When you bring your jab back and let the right hand go it should travel down that same ' corridor'. I think Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns is a very good example of someone who throws a very well executed right hand.
UPPERCUT : The uppercut is one of the most dangerous punches in Boxing. When thrown as a part of a multi-punch combination it can have very good effect. Not many fighters consistently throw uppercuts so, because of that, most fighters do
Uppercut
not practice avoiding them very often. The punch is good when thrown at a variety of times, but I think after throwing a good left jab it is good to follow up with the right uppercut. The uppercut should usually be thrown during the course of 'in-fighting' , when you are close to your opponent. Throwing the uppercut from too far away leaves you in a position to be countered much more easily. Throwing the left jab sets up the uppercut very well. You should throw the uppercut in a way that allows you, upon completion of the punch, to be in a position to follow with a left hook afterwards. Mike Tyson is someone , among others, that has a very effective uppercut
COMBINATIONS : My own personal theory of combination punching is this - A Boxer should be able to , theoretically, throw a thousand punches in succession without losing balance. The reason being is that every single punch in a Boxers arsenal , when thrown properly, should leave the Boxer in a position where he can and will be able to throw another punch. For example, when you throw a left jab you should automatically be in a position to throw a straight right. When you finish with the right hand, you be in a position to throw a left hook, etc etc. If you throw a right hand, or any other punch , and you are off balance and NOT in a position to throw another punch afterwards and you find that you have to re-plant your foot to throw another punch then you DID NOT throw that punch properly. Roy Jones, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather are three Boxers that have the ability to throw very good Combinations.
TO SUM UP ' PUNCHING' : The game of Boxing requires that you be able to move well, slip punches, keep your hands up, be tough , etc etc. BUT the main thing , above all else , to win a fight you must THROW PUNCHES. In my opinion you should start by learning how to throw the left jab ( or right jab if you are a Southpaw). It is Human Nature to want to get started by throwing hooks and crosses and other ' Big punches' . But if you are serious about becoming a ' real Boxer' and want to develop real skills that will maybe take you to a higher level then you MUST concentrate on perfecting your left jab first. Even if it takes you MONTHS to do, you must have your coaches work with you on your jab until you can win rounds with ONLY that punch if need be.
BREATHING : The MAIN THING to remember when you are Boxing is to breathe through your NOSE and not your mouth. When you open your mouth too much and try to Breathe like that, it leaves you more susceptible to having your jaw injured. Be relaxed in there and you will not get as tired as you will if you are tight and nervous.
CIRCLING YOUR OPPONENT : In my opinion, a Boxer must be able to ' Box' and ' Fight'. If an opponent wants to be ' rough' with you, then you need to be able to 'box' so that you can neutralize his offense. If he wants to Box you, then you need to have the aggression and the skills to take him out of his Boxing mode. You should never stand directly in front of your opponent for more than a few seconds at a time. You should constantly be in a position where you can circle to the left or right every few seconds so that you do not give your opponent the chance to ' set up' . The longer you stay in one spot, the easier it is for your opponent to size you up and get off good punches on you.
Training : I recommend that a Boxer train Monday - Friday and take it easy on the weekend. The only thing you may need to do each weekend is keep up on your push-ups , sit-ups and jogging. During the week, it is usual for Boxers
to be in the Gym each day for about two hours. Each day of training should include Stretching, exercises , shadow-Boxing, skipping rope, punching the heavy bag and , on some days, sparring with other Boxers. Each Coach has his
or her methods of coaching you, but ALL Boxers should be in the Gym as often as they can during the week. Repetition is the KEY in becoming a good fighter. All your punches and footwork, etc. must be practiced very often and with great desire to perfect them.
Nutrition : Nutrition is EXTREMELY important to a Boxer. Each person differs in some cases but I can tell you to get the most out of your conditioning it would benefit a serious Boxer to avoid the following : Fried Foods, Butter, Soda, Cakes and Cookies, Ice Cream , Candy , Syrups and Dressing and most foods that contain a lot of Fat and are high in calories. Water, even more so that Gatorade, is the best fluid to take in. Steaks and Chicken with the majority of the fat cut off and cooked either by Broiling or Baking are very good. The key is to eat enough so that you can still be strong. NEVER FORGET , even when you are trying to cut weight, that without eating enough food you cannot be at peak strength. If you are forced to not eat for more than a day just so you can make weight for a match then you should more than likely not be Boxing at that weight. Try and stay away from fatty foods, Sugary food and JUNK FOOD. Drink a lot of Water and / or Gatorade ( at least a Gallon a day)
Defense
* Slip - Slipping rotates the body slightly so that an incoming punch passes harmlessly next to the head. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer sharply rotates the hips and shoulders. This turns the chin sideways and allows the punch to "slip" past.
* Bob and Weave - Bobbing moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Once the punch has been evaded, the boxer "weaves" back to an upright position, emerging on either the outside or inside of the opponent's still-extended arm. To move outside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the outside". To move inside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the inside".
* Parry/Block - Parrying or blocking uses the boxer's hands as defensive tools to deflect incoming attacks. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer delivers a sharp, lateral, open-handed blow to the opponent's wrist or forearm, redirecting the punch.
* The Cover-Up - Covering up is the last opportunity to avoid an incoming strike to an unprotected face or body. Generally speaking, the hands are held high to protect the head and chin and the forearms are tucked against the torso to impede body shots. When protecting the body, the boxer rotates the hips and lets incoming punches "roll" off the guard. To protect the head, the boxer presses both fists against the front of the face with the forearms parallel and facing outwards. This type of guard is weak against attacks from below.
* The Clinch - Clinching is a rough form of grappling and occurs when the distance between both fighters has closed and straight punches cannot be employed. In this situation, the boxer attempts to hold or "tie up" the opponent's hands so he is unable to throw hooks or uppercuts. To perform a clinch, the boxer loops both hands around the outside of the opponent's shoulders, scooping back under the forearms to grasp the opponent's arms tightly against his own body. In this position, the opponent's arms are pinned and cannot be used to attack. Clinching is a temporary match state and is quickly dissipated by the referee.
There are 3 main defensive positions (guards or styles) used in boxing:
- All fighters have the own variations to these styles. Some fighters may have their guard higher for more head protection while others have their guard lower to provide better protection against body punches. Many fighters don't strictly use a single position, but rather adapt to the situation when choosing a certain position to protect them.
* Peek-a-boo - Sometimes known as the "earmuffs". This is the most common defensive style. The hands are placed next to each other in front of the face(like mentioned before fighters tend to vary the exact positioning in which they use it) and elbows are brought in tight to the body(this position can be achieved by bringing the elbows as close together while not straining yourself to do so). This defensive style is what a boxer is taught to do when they begin to box, after they gain experience they can decide to change or vary their guard. This style is middle of the road style in terms of counterpunching and damage reduction. A boxer can counter punch from this stance, but it is difficult, however, there have been boxers who can do this very well. This defense covers up a fighter well, but there are holes. Hooks do damage by going around the hands and by hitting just behind the elbows. Winky Wright uses this style very well from a damage reduction stand point.
* Cross-armed - The forearms are placed on top of each other horizontally in front of the face with the glove of one arm being on the top of the elbow of the other arm. This style is greatly varied when the back hand (right for an orthodox fighter and left for a southpaw) rises vertically. This style is the most effective for reducing head damage. The only head punch that a fighter is susceptible to is a jab to the top of the head. The body is open, but most fighters who use this style bend and lean to protect the body, but while upright and unaltered the body is there to be hit. This position is very difficult to counterpunch from, but virtually eliminates all head damage.
* Philly Shell or Crab - The lead arm (left for an orthodox fighter and right for a southpaw) is placed across the torso usually somewhere in between the belly button and chest and the lead hand rests on the opposite side of the fighter's torso. The back hand is placed on the side of the face (right side for orthodox fighters and left side for southpaws). The lead shoulder is brought in tight against the side of the face (left side for orthodox fighters and right side for southpaws). This style is used by fighters who like to counterpunch. To execute this guard a fighter must be very athletic and experienced. This style is so effective for counterpunching because it allows fighters to slip punches by rotating and dipping their upper body and causing blows to glance of the fighter. After the punch glances off the fighters back hand is in perfect position to hit their out of positioned opponent. The shoulder lean is used in this stance. To execute the shoulder lean a fighter rotates and ducks (to the right for orthodox fighters and to the left for southpaws) when their opponents punch is coming towards them and then rotates back towards their opponent while their opponent is bringing their hand back. The fighter will throw a punch with their back hand as they are rotating towards their undefended opponent. James Toney executes the shoulder lean perfectly according to technique. The weakness to this style is that when a fighter is stationary and not rotating they are open to be hit so a fighter must be athletic and well conditioned to effectively execute this style. To beat this style fighters like to jab their opponents shoulder causing the shoulder and arm to be in pain and to demobilize that arm.
* Bob and Weave - Bobbing moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Once the punch has been evaded, the boxer "weaves" back to an upright position, emerging on either the outside or inside of the opponent's still-extended arm. To move outside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the outside". To move inside the opponent's extended arm is called "bobbing to the inside".
* Parry/Block - Parrying or blocking uses the boxer's hands as defensive tools to deflect incoming attacks. As the opponent's punch arrives, the boxer delivers a sharp, lateral, open-handed blow to the opponent's wrist or forearm, redirecting the punch.
* The Cover-Up - Covering up is the last opportunity to avoid an incoming strike to an unprotected face or body. Generally speaking, the hands are held high to protect the head and chin and the forearms are tucked against the torso to impede body shots. When protecting the body, the boxer rotates the hips and lets incoming punches "roll" off the guard. To protect the head, the boxer presses both fists against the front of the face with the forearms parallel and facing outwards. This type of guard is weak against attacks from below.
* The Clinch - Clinching is a rough form of grappling and occurs when the distance between both fighters has closed and straight punches cannot be employed. In this situation, the boxer attempts to hold or "tie up" the opponent's hands so he is unable to throw hooks or uppercuts. To perform a clinch, the boxer loops both hands around the outside of the opponent's shoulders, scooping back under the forearms to grasp the opponent's arms tightly against his own body. In this position, the opponent's arms are pinned and cannot be used to attack. Clinching is a temporary match state and is quickly dissipated by the referee.
There are 3 main defensive positions (guards or styles) used in boxing:
- All fighters have the own variations to these styles. Some fighters may have their guard higher for more head protection while others have their guard lower to provide better protection against body punches. Many fighters don't strictly use a single position, but rather adapt to the situation when choosing a certain position to protect them.
* Peek-a-boo - Sometimes known as the "earmuffs". This is the most common defensive style. The hands are placed next to each other in front of the face(like mentioned before fighters tend to vary the exact positioning in which they use it) and elbows are brought in tight to the body(this position can be achieved by bringing the elbows as close together while not straining yourself to do so). This defensive style is what a boxer is taught to do when they begin to box, after they gain experience they can decide to change or vary their guard. This style is middle of the road style in terms of counterpunching and damage reduction. A boxer can counter punch from this stance, but it is difficult, however, there have been boxers who can do this very well. This defense covers up a fighter well, but there are holes. Hooks do damage by going around the hands and by hitting just behind the elbows. Winky Wright uses this style very well from a damage reduction stand point.
* Cross-armed - The forearms are placed on top of each other horizontally in front of the face with the glove of one arm being on the top of the elbow of the other arm. This style is greatly varied when the back hand (right for an orthodox fighter and left for a southpaw) rises vertically. This style is the most effective for reducing head damage. The only head punch that a fighter is susceptible to is a jab to the top of the head. The body is open, but most fighters who use this style bend and lean to protect the body, but while upright and unaltered the body is there to be hit. This position is very difficult to counterpunch from, but virtually eliminates all head damage.
* Philly Shell or Crab - The lead arm (left for an orthodox fighter and right for a southpaw) is placed across the torso usually somewhere in between the belly button and chest and the lead hand rests on the opposite side of the fighter's torso. The back hand is placed on the side of the face (right side for orthodox fighters and left side for southpaws). The lead shoulder is brought in tight against the side of the face (left side for orthodox fighters and right side for southpaws). This style is used by fighters who like to counterpunch. To execute this guard a fighter must be very athletic and experienced. This style is so effective for counterpunching because it allows fighters to slip punches by rotating and dipping their upper body and causing blows to glance of the fighter. After the punch glances off the fighters back hand is in perfect position to hit their out of positioned opponent. The shoulder lean is used in this stance. To execute the shoulder lean a fighter rotates and ducks (to the right for orthodox fighters and to the left for southpaws) when their opponents punch is coming towards them and then rotates back towards their opponent while their opponent is bringing their hand back. The fighter will throw a punch with their back hand as they are rotating towards their undefended opponent. James Toney executes the shoulder lean perfectly according to technique. The weakness to this style is that when a fighter is stationary and not rotating they are open to be hit so a fighter must be athletic and well conditioned to effectively execute this style. To beat this style fighters like to jab their opponents shoulder causing the shoulder and arm to be in pain and to demobilize that arm.
Technique
Modern Boxing Technique
The following stance applies for a right-handed boxer. The boxer stands with the legs shoulder-width apart with the right foot a half-step behind the left foot. The left (lead) fist is held vertically about six inches in front of the face at eye level. The right (rear) fist is held beside the chin and the elbow tucked against the ribcage to protect the body. The chin is tucked into the chest to avoid punches to the jaw which commonly cause knock-outs. Modern boxers can sometimes be seen "tapping" their cheeks or foreheads with their fists in order to remind themselves to keep their hands up (which becomes difficult during long bouts). Modern boxers are taught to "push off" with their feet in order to move effectively. Forward motion involves lifting the lead leg and pushing with the rear leg. Rearward motion involves lifting the rear leg and pushing with the lead leg. During lateral motion the leg in the direction of the movement moves first while the opposite leg provides the force needed to move the body.
Punches
There are four basic punches in boxing: the Jab, Cross, Hook and Uppercut. If a boxer is right-handed, his left hand is the lead hand, his right hand is the rear hand. The following techniques apply to a right-handed boxer. A right-handed boxer's handedness is commonly described as orthodox. A left-handed boxer is called an unorthodox boxer or a Southpaw.
* Jab - A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position. The jab is accompanied by a small, clockwise rotation of the torso and hips, while the fist rotates 90 degrees, becoming horizontal upon impact. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder is brought up to guard the chin. The rear hand remains next to the face to guard the jaw. After making contact with the target, the lead hand is retracted quickly to resume a guard position in front of the face. The jab is the most important punch in a boxer's arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counterpunch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power.
* Cross - A powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated anti-clockwise as the cross is thrown. Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer is what gives the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counterpunch a jab, aiming for the opponent's head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross can also follow a jab, creating the classic "one-two combo." The cross is also called a "straight" or "right."
* Hook - A semi-circular punch thrown with the lead hand to the side of the opponent's head. From the guard position, the elbow is drawn back with a horizontal fist (knuckles pointing forward) and the elbow bent. The rear hand is tucked firmly against the jaw to protect the chin. The torso and hips are rotated clockwise, propelling the fist through a tight, clockwise arc across the front of the body and connecting with the target. At the same time, the lead foot pivots clockwise, turning the left heel outwards. Upon contact, the hook's circular path ends abruptly and the lead hand is pulled quickly back into the guard position. A hook may also target the lower body (the classic Mexican hook to the liver) and this technique is sometimes called the "rip" to distinguish it from the conventional hook to the head. The hook may also be thrown with the rear hand.
* Uppercut - A vertical, rising punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the torso shifts slightly to the right, the rear hand drops below the level of the opponent's chest and the knees are bent slightly. From this position, the rear hand is thrust upwards in a rising arc towards the opponent's chin or torso. At the same time, the knees push upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotate anti-clockwise and the rear heel turns outward, mimicking the body movement of the cross. The strategic utility of the uppercut depends on its ability to "lift" the opponent's body, setting it off-balance for successive attacks. The right uppercut followed by a left hook is a deadly combination.
The following stance applies for a right-handed boxer. The boxer stands with the legs shoulder-width apart with the right foot a half-step behind the left foot. The left (lead) fist is held vertically about six inches in front of the face at eye level. The right (rear) fist is held beside the chin and the elbow tucked against the ribcage to protect the body. The chin is tucked into the chest to avoid punches to the jaw which commonly cause knock-outs. Modern boxers can sometimes be seen "tapping" their cheeks or foreheads with their fists in order to remind themselves to keep their hands up (which becomes difficult during long bouts). Modern boxers are taught to "push off" with their feet in order to move effectively. Forward motion involves lifting the lead leg and pushing with the rear leg. Rearward motion involves lifting the rear leg and pushing with the lead leg. During lateral motion the leg in the direction of the movement moves first while the opposite leg provides the force needed to move the body.
Punches
There are four basic punches in boxing: the Jab, Cross, Hook and Uppercut. If a boxer is right-handed, his left hand is the lead hand, his right hand is the rear hand. The following techniques apply to a right-handed boxer. A right-handed boxer's handedness is commonly described as orthodox. A left-handed boxer is called an unorthodox boxer or a Southpaw.
* Jab - A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position. The jab is accompanied by a small, clockwise rotation of the torso and hips, while the fist rotates 90 degrees, becoming horizontal upon impact. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder is brought up to guard the chin. The rear hand remains next to the face to guard the jaw. After making contact with the target, the lead hand is retracted quickly to resume a guard position in front of the face. The jab is the most important punch in a boxer's arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counterpunch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power.
* Cross - A powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated anti-clockwise as the cross is thrown. Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer is what gives the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counterpunch a jab, aiming for the opponent's head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross can also follow a jab, creating the classic "one-two combo." The cross is also called a "straight" or "right."
* Hook - A semi-circular punch thrown with the lead hand to the side of the opponent's head. From the guard position, the elbow is drawn back with a horizontal fist (knuckles pointing forward) and the elbow bent. The rear hand is tucked firmly against the jaw to protect the chin. The torso and hips are rotated clockwise, propelling the fist through a tight, clockwise arc across the front of the body and connecting with the target. At the same time, the lead foot pivots clockwise, turning the left heel outwards. Upon contact, the hook's circular path ends abruptly and the lead hand is pulled quickly back into the guard position. A hook may also target the lower body (the classic Mexican hook to the liver) and this technique is sometimes called the "rip" to distinguish it from the conventional hook to the head. The hook may also be thrown with the rear hand.
* Uppercut - A vertical, rising punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the torso shifts slightly to the right, the rear hand drops below the level of the opponent's chest and the knees are bent slightly. From this position, the rear hand is thrust upwards in a rising arc towards the opponent's chin or torso. At the same time, the knees push upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotate anti-clockwise and the rear heel turns outward, mimicking the body movement of the cross. The strategic utility of the uppercut depends on its ability to "lift" the opponent's body, setting it off-balance for successive attacks. The right uppercut followed by a left hook is a deadly combination.
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