Sparring Punches
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Punching techniques
- Cross
- Lead Hook
- Rear Overhand
- Lead Uppercut
- Rear Uppercut
- Lead overhand
- Rear Hook
- Jab
- Jabs underrated. They may not be the most powerful technique but they can still hurt and are very useful.
- Jabs disrupt the opponent's timing, since he or she is constantly having to react to it. A close range, explosive technique. Used in defense against opponent’s lunge punch or foot sweep, thrust forward attacking the mid-section to nullify their attack and spoil their distance and timing. This requires courage as you are countering without blocking.
- Remember, the jab is your can opener. It precedes most other utensils. Insert it into every gap. Use it to probe the opponent's reactions.
- Use of the jab ranges from pawing with it to load up your cross (such as used by Mohamed Ali) to using it to conceal your low entry (such as used by Chris Byrd) to a damaging tool that will make your opponent see stars (such as used by Larry Holmes). Hurting an opponent with your jab has to do with how much you bring your lead hip in line with the shot, and how much you shift your weight into it.
- Jab like a fencer. A jab is a controlled lunge using coordinated footwork to achieve the right range. Some people use the jab in a light way, like a fly swatter.