These are the punches that make opponents hesitate, back up, and rethink their game plan. Overhands punish high guards, body shots drain stamina, and angle strikes sneak through openings most fighters never see.
In this guide, I’ll break down each punch the way I coach fighters—precise mechanics, timing tips, and drills that make them second nature.
Overhand — the looping power shot
The overhand is the “over-the-top” punch that arcs above your opponent’s guard, crashing down onto the jaw or temple. Done right, it’s one of the most satisfying power shots in boxing.
How to throw it:
- Start from guard. Lead hand up, rear hand chambered.
- Load with a slight dip. Bend knees and shift weight slightly to the lead side.
- Whip the punch. Rotate hips and shoulders, driving the punch in a downward arc.
- Finish high. Your rear hand should land at head level or just below.
Pro tip: Don’t “arm punch” it—let the legs and hips create the arc and force.
Common mistakes:
- Overcommitting and losing balance.
- Telegraphing with a huge wind-up.
- Dropping the lead hand too low before throwing.
Drill — Overhand & Slip Combo:
From stance, slip outside a jab, then fire an overhand immediately. Shadowbox or work with mitts to link the movement until it’s smooth.
Body shots — the energy thief
A clean shot to the body takes the air right out of your opponent’s lungs. It’s not flashy, but it changes fights.
Types:
- Straight to the solar plexus — stuns and stops forward movement.
- Left hook to the liver (orthodox stance) — legendary fight-ender.
- Right hook to the ribs — effective against high guards.
How to throw a left hook to the body (orthodox):
- Bend your knees and drop slightly lower than your opponent’s stance.
- Rotate on the lead foot, driving the hook at a 45° upward angle.
- Keep your rear hand up to protect your chin.
Pro tip: Disguise body shots by starting like you’re going upstairs, then drop levels and rip to the body.
Drill — High-Low Pad Work:
Throw a jab or hook to the head, immediately follow with a hook to the body. Builds rhythm and deception.
Angle strikes — the unseen attacks
Angle strikes aren’t a new punch—they’re regular punches thrown from an unexpected position after a pivot, sidestep, or slip. The goal is to appear “off-line” from your opponent’s guard.
Examples:
- Pivot hook: Step your lead foot outside their stance, pivot, and hook the exposed side.
- Step-around cross: Slip outside their jab, step past their lead foot, and fire a cross from the side.
- Rear uppercut from the blind spot: Pivot around a clinch break and fire upward.
Pro tip: Don’t rush angles—create them with small foot adjustments, not big leaps.
Drill — Angle Pad Circuit:
Set cones or tape marks on the floor. From each mark, throw a different punch combination at an angle: pivot hook, step-around cross, rear uppercut.
Putting it together in sparring
The magic happens when you blend these punches. For example:
- Jab to the head.
- Slip their counter.
- Overhand to the jaw.
- Step left and hook to the body.
Linking power, positioning, and deception makes you unpredictable—and unpredictability wins fights.
Final words — own the advanced game
Basic punches win rounds. Advanced punches win fights. Overhands break guards, body shots break wills, and angle strikes break patterns. Drill them slow, tighten the form, then bring them into live sparring one at a time until they feel natural.
Call to action: In your next session, pick one punch from this list and make it your focus for three rounds. By the end of the week, you’ll feel it landing cleaner and harder.
