Expert: Joe Hofer - 10/6/2006

Question
I will keep my question short and sweet...How do I know if I am throwing a proper punch or not? I live in Alaska and its very very difficult to find a teacher or anyone with knowledge about boxing. I have done a lot of research and know how far I need to be from the heavy bag and how a good punch is supposed to sound but my concern is that I am going to throw wrong punches and hurt myself. Whats a proper punch supposed to feel like? How in the world do I know if I am doing it accurately? Thank you SO much for your time!!!

Answer
Without a trainer it is very difficult to know if you are throwing your punches correctly.  The key to the punch is the rotation of the hips for the transfer of weight and all of this starts by spinning the heals.  You might try to find some books with some illustrations to show you.  I personally am developing some short instructions that I am selling on my website.  Right now all I have available is throwing the jab but I will be coming up with more in the near future.  www.boxingdoneright.com

Also Ringside sells some videos on correct punching.  You can give them a call at 877-4-boxing.

Joe