FundamentalsNEW
Pull the left shoulder back to throw the right
Shoulder swap
Don't swing the right cross out with the strength of your right arm. Throw it by trading shoulders: push your right shoulder forward while you pull your left shoulder back. When the punch lands, bring your left shoulder forward right away, and let that motion pull your right fist back to your chin. Compared with an arm punch, the windup is smaller and you're less likely to lose your balance when you miss.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Pull the left shoulder back to throw the right: how to do it
- From your stance, start sending your right fist straight forward.
- Push your right shoulder forward and, at the same time, pull your left shoulder back.
- As soon as the punch lands, bring your left shoulder forward again.
- As your left shoulder comes back, bring your right fist back to your chin.
Pull the left shoulder back to throw the right: key points
- You punch with the shoulder trade, not the arm. Pulling the left shoulder back makes room for the right shoulder to come forward.
- The return also comes from the left shoulder. When you bring the left shoulder forward, the right fist comes back on its own.
- Send the fist straight out from where it sits in your stance. If your elbow flares and the fist travels in a circle, the path gets bigger and easier to read.
- If you tense your upper body because you're worried about defense, your left shoulder can't pull back and your right shoulder can't come forward. Keep your shoulders loose until the moment you punch.
Pull the left shoulder back to throw the right: common mistakes
- You swing the punch out with just your right arm. Your elbow flares, the punch loops, and the opponent reads it before you throw.
- You send only the right forward without pulling the left shoulder back. The right shoulder doesn't fully extend, so the punch falls short and has no power.
- You leave the right arm extended after the punch. When you miss, your body drifts forward and you get countered.
Pull the left shoulder back to throw the right: how to practice
- Shadowbox in front of a mirror. On every right cross, check that your elbow isn't flaring and that your left shoulder is pulling back.
- On the heavy bag, focus less on hitting hard and more on one continuous motion: pull the left shoulder back to throw, then bring it forward to bring the right home. Check that your right fist is back at your chin when you finish.
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.