Combinations
Left uppercut to the head
5Left uppercut
FlowLeft uppercut
The left uppercut drives your left fist up from below to hit the opponent's chin or face. When the opponent is close and has a tight guard in front, you put it up through the gap in their guard from below. Throw it by the shortest path without changing your elbow angle, and it's harder to read. Push your shoulder blade forward on impact, and it reaches a little deeper.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 5 |
| Number of punches | 1 |
| Goals | Uppercut Techniques, Close-Range Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Left uppercut to the head: step by step
- From your guard, bend your knees slightly and sink your left hip a little. Don't drop your fist far from in front of your face.
- Keeping your elbow angle fixed, drive your left fist up from below by the shortest path.
- On impact, push your left shoulder blade forward to carry your fist a little farther.
- After punching, bring your left hand straight back in front of your face.
Left uppercut to the head: key points
- Don't change your elbow angle from the start of the punch to impact. If your elbow straightens or bends, the path bulges out.
- Drive up from below by the shortest path. If you drop your fist first before punching, that movement gives it away.
- On impact, push your shoulder blade forward as if peeling it off your back. That extends your reach without breaking the shape of your arm.
Left uppercut to the head: common mistakes
- Dropping your fist to your hip before punching. The wind-up gets big and the opponent sees it coming.
- Letting your elbow flare and swinging up from the side. The path ends up halfway between a hook and an uppercut and doesn't go through the gap in the guard.
Left uppercut to the head: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, drive the left uppercut up while holding your elbow angle, and check the motion of pushing your shoulder blade forward at the point of impact. Use a mirror to check that your fist isn't dropping.
- Stand close to the heavy bag and drive the left uppercut up to a spot you imagine is chin height. Make bringing your left hand back in front of your face part of every rep.
Related techniques
By goalUppercut TechniquesClose-Range Techniques
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.