Punching techniques

Punches are hand attacks using a closed fist in mostly linear attacks, although some punches arc (such as hook punch) or travel upward (such as uppercut). Fist may be held horizontally or vertically. Contact area is usually first two knuckles but may be last two knuckles or the entire front of  he fist. Power comes from hip snap and driving off ball of the trailing foot. ITF practitioners also use the knee-snap sine wave movement to generate power. Punches may be "snapped" out and back very quickly or "pushed through" where, upon contact, the fist pushes into the target, such as done by boxers.

All the punches start from the hands and arms being held in a basic guard position: Hands in fists held just below cheekbones with palms toward face, with forearms almost vertical.