RECAP ON HOW TO THROW THE JAB HERE
The cross to the head
This can be used on its own but ideally would follow a jab
1. Start in your basic stance, on the balls of your feet. Keep your free hand (my left) up, covering your chin.
2. Twist your hips anti-clockwise and turn your back foot in the same direction as you rotate your right shoulder.
3. Punch right through the target; don’t fall short and then over-balance as a result.
4. Bring the right arm back in a straight trajectory to your chin; don’t let it drop down then bring it up.
The cross to the body
This can be dangerous so keep it quick and accurate
1. Start in your basic stance, on the balls of your feet. If you step forward with the shot, you might fall short as the opponent moves back.
2. Stay where you are, but bend your knees, keeping your spare hand (my left) up, covering your chin.
3. Pivot in with the right, twisting your hips, back foot and shoulder as described in the first technique. Bring the arm back to your chin.
Top tip
Visualise your back hand as a snake’s tongue, so you’re snapping it out then bringing it back just as quickly. This can improve the speed of the shot.
The overhand
This should only be thrown when you are confident of landing, as it leaves you open
1. Start in your basic stance. Keep your other hand (my left) up, covering your chin.
2. Plant your feet, begin to twist your hip forward to transfer the weight and move your back hand elbow out.
3. Arch your back hand down into your opponent’s head and punch through the target, keeping your other hand up.
FOR THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE ON HOW TO THROW THESE PUNCHES DOWNLOAD THE MARCH 12 ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE FROM THE BOXING NEWS APP
