Fundamentals
Hold back power in training
Hold back power
When you try to hit every punch hard in training, your balance slowly breaks down without you noticing. So hold back your power on purpose and put being able to move ahead of landing. The more you hold back, the more accurately you can feel where your center of gravity is and whether your weight is on your front or back foot.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Hold back power in training: how to do it
- Before you start training, decide to hold your power back to about 60%.
- Punch at that level and check that your feet can still move after you punch.
- Feel where your center of gravity is and whether your weight is on your front or back foot.
Hold back power in training: key points
- Try to hit everything hard and your balance breaks down without you noticing.
- Hold back to about 60% and put being able to move first, even if your punches don't land.
- The more you hold back, the more accurately you can feel where your center of gravity is and how your weight is distributed.
Hold back power in training: common mistakes
- You punch at full power every time. Then your body drifts as you finish, and your body learns that broken form.
- You add power because you're fixated on landing. Then your feet stop after you punch and you can't link into your next move.
Hold back power in training: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, throw one-twos and hooks with held-back power, and check that your weight is back in the middle as you finish.
- Instead of hitting the heavy bag hard, keep moving around it while punching at low power. Watch whether you can move on to the next punch without losing your position.
Related 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.