any boxers here?

[Skittles]

I've started doing some boxing moves during aerobic exercise and while I like them and can see great potential in the fitness part, the moves feel awkward to me. I think pershaps I don't know what I am doing - could you provide some tips about how to hold my shoulders when I punch, how to punch, stuff like that; thanks!

[GOPisEvil]

1. Ask this guy. Maybe he can help.

[Skittles]

3. what guy David

what am I missing?

[GOPisEvil]

9. You don't see a boxing smiley?

[Skittles]

15. nope, I see an election fraud thing

and your cartoon golf cart graphic :)

[GOPisEvil]

23. Hmmm

[redqueen]

2. Not a boxer...

but was trained by one in my martial arts class.

Keep your shoulders loose, and your arms close to your body... keep your fists up in front of your face...

How exactly does it feel awkward? There are all kinds of tips depending on what kind of punch you're doing, your stance, etc...

[Skittles]

4. when I throw a punch

the angle of my arm perhaps isn't right - doesn't feel controlled; hey just now I tried in and my shoulders were very tight

[redqueen]

7. What kind of punch?

Jab? Cross?

re: angle, you just want to punch straight out for a jab... leaning forward just a little bit may help... for a cross, your arm comes up as your fist moves over... also, once you throw the punch, your arm should be tight, and the force really comes from your leg/hip.

Hey! You can reply to me now!

:bounce:

[progmom]

8. and you never jab

without stepping....

[redqueen]

17. Well... sometimes in kickboxing you do...

they're not so concerned with real life application, I've found. ;)

[ProfessorGAC]

25. Huh?

The jab is meant to be a setup punch, or a pre-emptive counter to prevent the opponent from stepping in. You can jab from flat feet, or from the toes. You don't have to step into a jab. The only punch you should step into is the hook. At least if really fighting. Stepping into a jab can get you killed!
The Professor

[kick-ass-bob]

10. its probably not the angle of your arm, but the angle of your body.

If you throw a straight punch (not a jab) to the chest area, you probably need to swing your hips into it as well. If your hips aren't properly aligned, the punch won't feel right (and won't have much power).

[Skittles]

12. bob you ROCK!

I just did some experiments and YES it would appear to be a hip thing - if I move a bit more it feels more natural - I will have to work on it - I think you got it - it's not my arm or my shoulders but my hips! :D

[kick-ass-bob]

16. most beginners don't understand punches come from the body

and not the arm.
Same thing in baseball - you don't hit with your arms, you hit with your whole body.

:thumbsup:

[Skittles]

20. OK I think that is going to help

I do tapes at home - I used to avoid boxing moves but when I tried it I thought if I could get it down I just LOVE the way I really tighten my abs while I'm doing it

[ProfessorGAC]

24. Except For The Hook. . .

. . .the hand should never get outside the line of the shoulder. That does three bad things:

1) It puts unnecessary stress on the rotator cuff.
2) It reduces power.
3) Can get your block knocked off, as the punching arm is no longer an obstacle between another puncher and your head!

I know you're not really fighting, but the first two matter, because you want to stay safe, and you want to expand as much energy in every punch as possible for good aerobic work.

The hook can get outside the shoulder line, but if it's thrown fast and short, and the hips are used for leverage, it's not hard on the shoulder. But any punch thrown more or less straight should put ZERO strain on the shoulder joint. If you feel soreness in the shoulder or elbow, STOP! You're doing it wrong.
The Professor

[fob]

5. Are you calling out underpants?

:evilgrin:

Sorry couldn't help it, richardo's "punning" must be catchy.

[Skittles]

6. lolo, what has my beloved old buddy underpants been up to

haven't been on DU much; been living in a hotel room on a business trip, working 12 hour nights

[quisp]

11. I always keep it brief n/t

[BeatleBoot]

13. If you are right handed...

jab (short quick punches) with your left, while your right hand is protecting your face.

Then step into a right handed punch with your left foot leading.

Keep your shoulders square.

If you are left handed...reverse what I said above.

My Dad taught me when I was young.

For aerobics, I think that's all you'll need to know.

[Skittles]

19. question

keep your shoulders "square" - does that mean in a straight line as opposed to hunching or something?

[BeatleBoot]

22. Read ProfessorGAC post below - he explains it best...

[ProfessorGAC]

14. Did It In High School And Early College

AAU out of Chicago. Had 73 fights, the first 8 in novice class. I won a novice event and after that you have to move up.

Shoulders always as level as you can keep them when you punch. Keep the front foot planted and stay back on the heel of the back foot as you start the punch. Then as you deliver the blow drive with the legs but your rear heel should come off the floor as a result of momentum, not from lunging with that leg.

Try hard to maintain good balance. This improves muscle tone by maximizing the number of muscles you use.

There are 5 punches to learn. Straight left, or jab. (Assuming you're right handed.) Straight right, or called a cross because your punching across the body. Left hook. Uppercut. Pick a hand.

If you want to know technique of each, PM me. I'm a mechanics nut when it comes to athletics. I always have been. I always think good form makes for more effective use of the strength and reduces chance of injury.

Another thing you should do when doing it for exercise is to always keep the non-punching high, at least shoulder level. That forces the muscles in that side of the body to do something. If you get pretty used to it, try using heavy hands to increase the absolute work.

I used to shadow box with 2# weights and then hit the heavy bag with full boxing gloves because they're way heavier than bag mits.

Hope some of this helps.
The Professor

[Skittles]

21. will print your advice and keep it handly when I'm back home

doing the tapes. Will take you up on your offer if I see no improvement; thanks Professor! :hi:

[leftofthedial]

18. I'll be brief

no

[gmoney]

26. Shirt's probably too tight

Better take it off just to be safe.

:hide:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

27. HEY!!! DID YOUR CAPS LOCK BREAK????

[ProfessorGAC]

28. Yeah. She Punched The Key!

I helped her!
The Professor