Bad Punching Techniques: The Bow And Arrow Punch
Have you ever heard of the bow and arrow punch? If not, it may be because it’s not actually a punch. Instead, it’s a mistake made by fighters who have poor punching technique.
Picture an archer drawing back an arrow. When the bow is fully flexed, his left arm is straight out in front, and his right arm is back near his face.
If the archer moved his rear hand back even further — to a point somewhere behind or below his head — he would be in the same position as a fighter who was making the mistake of throwing a bow and arrow punch.
The bow and arrow punch
When you throw a lead jab using proper punching technique, your rear hand should be up in front of your chin (or to the side of your chin), ready to block a punch. At no time should your chin be in a vulnerable, exposed position.
It is a mistake to allow the rear hand to drift down or back. This leaves your chin open to punches, at the time when you’re most vulnerable.
When a boxer is in this position, he looks like he’s drawing an invisible bow and arrow.
Carl Froch is a world-class fighter, but he makes the mistake of throwing a bow-and-arrow punch when he jabs.
It is best to avoid this mistake, since it leaves you open to counter punch techniques. If you use a bow and arrow jab, try to train yourself out of making this mistake, and if you are a boxing beginner, keep in mind that your chin needs to be protected at all times.
