Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/11/2006

Question
How do I make my shoulder snap when throwing punches.
I noticed when pro boxers enter the ring, when they throw punches their shoulders snap.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Alan.

I want to make my leaping jab-straight powerful and I need to know the workouts as well as the techniques.

I want to make my leaping jab-straight extremely powerful and fast like Manny Pacquiao?

When I throw a "power jab" with the full weight shift behind it, pushing off with my whole leg, push off by the back foot.

With that, my back leg is already extended and can no longer throw a devastating straight hand.

When I watch Manny Pacquiao's do it. I can't believe it. He's not throwing a flicking jab. He's throwing a power leaping jab then a power straight.

plz advice me .
thanks

Oliver



Answer -
HI Oliver,

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by a "leaping Jab" nor can I say how Manny Pacquiao does it for I haven't seen many of his fights or studied his punches or footwork.  But if you have a lot of his fights on video, I would suggest you watch the movements you want in slow motion. If his back leg is straight, then he must be pulling the right leg forward along with his right fist for the straight punch. Watch his hips and see how they are moving as he does this. OR see if he actually, Pushes off the straight right leg. I'm not sure how he does it, so can't really advise you about the mechanics of his movement.

I suggest you practice jabbing with good form moving to the front, back, sides, and circling. both ways. ( to the right and to the left.) keep you balance. start slow and get the technique right. Feel for the balance points and how the feet and hips have to flow to make them feel smooth. Then add some power. Don't move faster or punch harder until you can go in all directions smoothly with great balance. with time, you may be able to add some spring in your stepping motion, adding speed to your movement. This speed of movement will add power to your punch. Perhaps that is the "leaping" movement that you seek.  

good luck and train safe.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
http:/www.putfile.com/speedbag


Answer
When they enter the ring, the over emphasized shoulder motions are part of the warm up. Not necessarily their fight motion. To get some "snap" in your punches, lead with the hips. The snapping punch starts for the foot work, moves up the legs, hips, torso and comes out the fist. Otherwise, you're just arm punching.