Click link for full video - https://youtu.be/h1qTRrmf_Gk Basic Punch Tips: Hand Position When it comes to throwing effective punches, there can be almost as many ways to do it correctly as there are to do it incorrectly. No matter which method one ascribes to, there are a few common elements we can all agree on… Loose hand = broken hand Keep the wrist straight Strike with the first two knuckles After these three, there might be some variations depending on context preference but for simplicity, this video will focus on how we teach basic punch positioning at The Mat, with three main hand positions. When you make a proper, tight fist, focus on your top two knuckles (the largest two closest to the thumb) as your primary striking surface. Avoid any bends in the wrist while aligning the large, middle knuckle, down the center of your forearm. This helps keep your wrist straight and supported by your arm on contact. Now, consider the body’s anatomical position, with the hands down by the legs and palms facing outward. Imagine placing your hands on a giant beach ball, where you’re holding the bottom of the ball. Picture sliding your hands apart, around the outside of the ball until they meet back together at the very top. At this point, your hands should be palms facing downwards, as if you were “palming” the ball with each hand. Consider the position of your hands at each angle of the “slide” around the ball. Those angles are the same positions you want your hands to be at as you strike at similar heights. Whether you’re punching straight forward or rounding the angle in hooks or uppercut fashion, none of the above changes. What changes is your depth (distance) to the target or the angle of attack towards the target. Your hands should rotate [around the beach ball] based on said distance or angle. The three basic distances and hand positions in straight punch are: Close Range - Elbows bent (roughly 90 degrees), still touching body, fist faces upwards. Mid Range - Elbows partially bent (half straight), fist becomes vertical. Extended Range - Elbows nearly locked (slightly bent to avoid hyperextension), fist rolls to horizontal. In hook punches, the fists rotate similarly as long as the elbows remain directly behind the wrists. Rather than extending outward, the punches rotate through the target in horizontal angles, as if to be punching around the edges of the beach ball. The higher the target, the more the wrist turns from palm up to palm down. As you become more comfortable in punching this way, you will begin to find subtle nuances that make sense to your striking abilities. In the meantime, take it slow at first and pay attention to any red marks on your knuckles. Where you’re red is where you’re making contact. Keep it on the two large knuckles. Don’t forget the general rule for striking: Hard target, soft striking surface. Soft target, hard striking surface. Good Luck!
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program. Viewer assumes all risks.
