Straight Punching Techniques
Punches can be grouped into two categories: straight punching techniques, and all the rest.
When I say “all the rest”, I mean hooks, overhand punches, uppercuts, etc. That is, all the punches that take an arcing path to the target.
The straight punching techniques, on the other hand, move in a laser-straight line from the guard position to the target, without any discernable arc.
Straight punching techniques
There are three main straight punching techniques:
- Straight right hand
- Left jab
- Straight left
Left jab
The jab is the most important basic punching technique.
It is quick and accurate. Without it, you can’t set up your other (slower) punches.
The jab is also useful because it spoils your opponent’s plans. Use it to keep him off of you and in punching range.
Straight left
Similar to the jab, but this is a power punch. It’s usually used as part of a combination following a right hand.
The straight right: King of the straight punching techniques
The straight right is a very powerful punch, but it’s also fast enough so you can land it reliably.
With a good straight right hand, you can knock anyone out with ease, assuming you hit him on the button.
Straight punching techniques work well against untrained maniacs
When you’re fighting an untrained guy, all you need to beat him is some straight punching techniques.
Inexperienced, untrained guys throw their punches in arcs. They use haymakers, wild swings, and huge overhand punches. The one thing all these untrained punchers have in common is: they are very slow.
Your straight punching techniques have more range (and they’re faster) than punches thrown by inexperienced tough-guys.
