Fundamentals
Snap your punches back
Snap back
Snapping your punches back means pulling your fist back to your guard quickly after you throw it. The speed of that pull sharpens the rotation of your opposite shoulder, so your next punch comes out sooner. Not leaving your fist out after punching is the foundation for keeping combinations like the one-two from breaking off partway.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Snap your punches back: how to do it
- When the punch lands, start pulling your fist back right away instead of leaving it there.
- Bring your fist back to your guard along the same path it went out.
- As you pull back, turn your opposite shoulder forward and throw the next punch.
Snap your punches back: key points
- As soon as your arm extends, bring your fist back to your guard.
- The faster you pull back, the sharper your opposite shoulder turns.
- A fast snap back keeps your combinations from stalling partway.
Snap your punches back: common mistakes
- You leave your arm extended after punching. Then your opposite shoulder doesn't turn and your next punch is late.
- You forget to pull back and keep sending out one arm after another. Then your face stays open and you take a return punch.
Snap your punches back: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, after the first punch of a one-two, focus only on how fast you pull it back, and get the feel of the second punch coming out as you pull.
- On the heavy bag, throw combinations with pulling each fist back fast as your priority, and check that your fist isn't staying on the bag.
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.