Steps to a Knockout Punch

Steps to a Knockout Punch
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A knockout, in boxing, is the quintessential assertion of dominance. Knockouts are earned through diligent practice and performance. Several elements of a boxer's skill combine to determine his capacity to knock out a foe.

Target

In order to intentionally score a knockout, you must first know which how to attack your rival's body in a way that causes the breakdown of his conscious faculties. A solid blow to the point of your opponent's chin, for instance, will initiate a vibratory response that moves through his lower jaw and into the cranial cavity. This shock momentarily muddles cognitive function, causing the brain to "shut down" conscious activity in response. A strike to the side of your adversary's neck also has the capability to render him unconscious. Major arteries exist in the neck that carry blood and oxygen to the brain. Any traumatic impact to this area can quickly dislodge a person's sensibilities. Additionally, the inner ear contains an organ that controls your sense of balance. A strong punch, placed into or behind the ear, can upset your foe's equilibrium and send him tumbling to the canvas.

Leg Power

A good fighter will draw his punching power primarily from the legs. This is because the muscles in your legs are considerably stronger than those of your upper body. Your ability to knock an opponent out, therefore, is enhanced when you press your punches forward from the floor. The more force you can generate between the start and end of your strikes, the better your chances of delivering a knockout blow.

Pop

The final element of a knockout punch comes at the end of your punch. A skilled boxer will jerk his shoulder up and down, once immediately before contact, to create a snap at the end of his blow. Doing so significantly increases the amount of vibration sent into your opponent's brain, creating the ideal conditions for a knockout. This maneuver, in boxing, is insider's knowledge and doing it well takes practice. When shadowboxing, make your shoulders pop as you punch. Doing this will make your punches more effective and allow you to score more knockouts as a result.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Jun 20, 2010

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