1. Not Your Average Punch
Every boxer knows how to throw jabs, crosses, hooks and uppercuts, both alone and in combinations. Throwing a boxing overhand, however, is another story. Not considered a mainstream punch, the overhand possesses the power to decimate your opponent when thrown properly. Deliver a boxing overhand with a straight or slightly angled arm. A straight-arm punch targets the nose, while an angled arm targets the temple or ear. Although more popular with mixed martial arts fighters, the overhand right became a favorite of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
2. Setting Up for the Kill
The most important element of a boxing overhand is the premeditation. This punch must be thrown at precisely the right time. Having your opponent in an open position guarantees a successful execution and that requires thinking ahead. Start firing off a series of high jabs. Do some fancy "dancing" and maybe even throw in some fake punches. All in the hope of catching your opponent off guard. If done right, your competitor falls into your trap and allows you to throw your overhand.
3. Piggyback the Jab
The best time for throwing a boxing overhand is on the heels of your jab. When your jab hand returns to the ready position, release your overhand punch. Add more power by pushing off your rear leg, swiveling your hips (similar to a baseball swing) as you pull your back shoulder in a forward motion. Directing your punch several inches beyond your adversary rather than at his face yields a more powerful hit. For best results, practice your boxing overhand on the heavy bag or while shadowboxing.
4. Defend to the End
Be sure to defend yourself at all times during and after executing the overhand. Throwing this punch leaves you in a vulnerable, exposed position. Your jab hand remains close to your chin to ward off any counter punches. Distance yourself from your opponent by rotating away from him. Doing so helps deflect or cut off any of your competitor's counterattacks.
5. More Effective When in Combination
Integrate your overhand into your boxing punch combinations to intensify its effectiveness. The overhand works best in conjunction with a jab and a hook. Each of these punches thrust your left arm and shoulder forward as your right arm and shoulder travel backward. The more your right arm extends back the more powerful your boxing overhand.
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