Fundamentals
Shift your weight forward to attack
Weight forward
Once you decide to attack, shift your weight from the rear-leaning defensive stance to a forward one. A slight forward lean is about right. But hold yourself back so you don't tip forward as you punch. From a waiting stance your punches have trouble reaching when you switch to attack, so change where your weight sits depending on whether you're attacking or waiting.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Shift your weight forward to attack: how to do it
- In a defensive stance where you're watching what the opponent does, keep your weight from the center to slightly back.
- Once you decide to attack, shift your weight forward and lean forward a little.
- Punch while holding yourself so your body doesn't tip forward.
- Don't lean or twist your body too deep trying to hit hard.
Shift your weight forward to attack: key points
- Before you attack, switch your weight from back to forward. A slight lean is enough.
- Even with your weight forward, punch while holding yourself so you don't tip forward.
- If you lean or twist too much, you can't use your feet, and you're slow to recover and defend.
Shift your weight forward to attack: common mistakes
- Starting your attack from a stance with your weight still back. Your punches have trouble reaching and you end up punching with just your arms.
- Leaning and twisting too deep trying to hit hard. You can't use your feet, and you take the opponent's return before you get back.
Shift your weight forward to attack: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, repeat shifting your weight from your defensive stance to your attacking stance. Once you shift, throw a flurry, then return to your stance.
- On the heavy bag, throw flurries from a forward-weighted stance. Check whether you're leaning too far by whether you can move to the side or back right after your last punch.
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.