Knowing how to throw a proper punch at the proper time can equip you with the confidence and skill set to defend yourself. Don’t think that your gender, size, or strength will determine the success of this boxing technique. Mastering the proper method will provide you with a quick and powerful punch. Below is a step-by-step guide to throwing the most basic and potent punch—a cross.  

How to Throw a Punch

1. Make a Fist: Curl your fingertips into your palm, and wrap your thumb around your fingers below the knuckles.
2. Place Your Feet: Place your dominant hand’s corresponding foot in the back, and step forward with your opposite foot.
3. Align Your Arms & Shoulders: Keep your forearms vertical, and tuck your elbows into your body.
4. Swing From Your Hips: Like swinging a bat, your boxing power comes from your hips. Pivot your back foot on its ball and push your body forward.
5. Punch: Swing your back arm from across your body into your target.
6. Reset: Return your hand to its vertical position to protect your face.

How to Avoid Injury

Anyone can throw a punch, but not everyone knows how to do it without sustaining an injury. When you make contact with your target, your middle knuckle should take the brunt of the impact.

When practicing, hold your punch in place and look down. Are your forearm, wrist, and knuckles in alignment? If your wrist bends or collapses when you make contact, you can sprain or break it.

Don’t wrap your fingers around your thumb. You’ll quickly break or even dislocate it this way. Wrap your thumb around your fingers and tighten it enough to strongly hit your target but not too tight that you cut off blood flow and feel your arm shake on impact.

Don’t overextend your punch either. If you fully straighten and lock your arm out while boxing, your elbow will take the majority of the force of impact. You also may fall forward and lose balance, inviting an attack.

Draw your hand right back to cover your face after your strike. If you drop it down, you’re leaving yourself open to a retaliating punch.

While these movements may feel foreign at first, practice them at home or on a heavy bag. If the time comes to defend yourself, you’ll respond in a natural, automatic rhythm.

If you're interested in learning how to box from an expert, contact TM Productions in Honolulu, HI. Having won her first 12 fights in a row, Tessa Moon is an experienced fighter and coach. Call (808) 291-7817 to set up a meeting, or visit her website to learn more about her expertise.