Boxing/MMA: How do you throw punches like this?

[ElDiabloLoco503]

I've seen some boxers and MMA fighters in the pro game snapping their punches like this.

I'd love to know how to apply it to my striking. If anyone can break down the mechanics of this whip technique, you have my thanks.

 

[Valhoven]

Give these a perusal, mate.

http://forums.sherdog.com/threads/getting-more-snap-into-my-punches.2655967/

http://forums.sherdog.com/threads/how-do-i-snap-my-punches-better.881911/

 

[jonander50]

Try to launch the hand by exploding back the contrary shoulder.

 

[ElDiabloLoco503]

Give these a perusal, mate.

http://forums.sherdog.com/threads/getting-more-snap-into-my-punches.2655967/

http://forums.sherdog.com/threads/how-do-i-snap-my-punches-better.881911/

Thanks for the links. I've been experimenting for a while and I feel like my traps are killing me. It has to do with the return where the punch rotates back into the original position. I need to drill the correct motion first before I can throw it relaxed as everyone is saying. I'm hearing cracks in my shoulder while punching. I can feel the momentum like a strong tug traveling up my body and into my fist with my hook punches, but it's something about the return of the punch that I think I got wrong. In the video in the first post, you can see Idris (the boxer in the video) having this nice swirling motion with his arms after he punches and "snaps" them back into the original position. He even doubles them up with the same hand.

It's a stirring motion post-punch

and I've seen boxers like Adrian Broner and Mike Tyson (he does it in the GIF also) do it.

Do you know any examples or instructional videos on throwing those punches in the correct motion? I'd like to know more about the motion after the punch, especially for the rear cross like mcgregor does it in the GIF.

 

[Stillw1ll]

Do you know when you wet the end of a towel and snap it on someone? Its like that.

Id say to remember that you want to retract your hand as quickly as you throw it.

 

[poepstorm]

Try to launch the hand by exploding back the contrary shoulder.

Jonander is absolutely right, I believe. Adding some detail:
Looking at the gifs you posted, you mean 'snap' as in Mike Tyson's sense of 'snap' in a punch: Pulling the opposite shoulder back (which, for Tyson, means even pulling his opposite hand off his guard) at the same time your punch travels out.
This puts both more bodyweight and a little bonus speed behind the punch. By the time your punch is extended to the target, your upper body is twisted and transferring much more power than a normal punch would. This is what makes Tyson's and McGregors' punches push through so powerfully.

McGregor executes it standing upright, so just drive off your back leg for max power.
As for Tyson, his crazy strength requires a whole new level of technique. His most powerful punches came after slipping to one side (bending forward and sideways at the waist) while dashing in, landing heavy on his front foot, foot turned in towards the opponent. From this position you can bounce/drive up off your front leg, twist your upper body back upright, twist the opposite shoulder back and nail incredibly hard hooks and uppercuts.
Mike put so much into these he'd often come off the canvas. A combination of two or three of these would have him bouncing, jumping around like a pogo of death.

As for other comments on pulling back the punch on impact: Yes, this is also called 'snap' and it is good technique, but I don't think it's the answer to "why do Tyson and McGregor smash through walls like in these Gifs".

 

[poepstorm]

It has to do with the return where the punch rotates back into the original position. I need to drill the correct motion first before I can throw it relaxed as everyone is saying. I'm hearing cracks in my shoulder while punching.

Oops, so you did mean a snapping return of the punches! I take back what I said about the other comments discussing a 'different snap'.

Just going on the cracks on your shoulder here: First off, painless cracks without a 'mechanical' feeling to them (like it changes your movement) have been shown to not always be dangerous. Some knees, arms, shoulders crack, for me it's my finger every time I make a first. So MAYBE it's not a problem.

However, if you're worried about the cracking, and we're talking about MMA striking (as opposed to boxing), you might want to try a different jab altogether. It's possible to jab without twisting at all, landing your fist diagonally, making contact with the last three knuckles like this: http://www.wingchunonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/punch.jpg
In my experience, this style of punching (no twist, last three knuckles pointed forward) has put an end to all my wrist problems in mma, maybe it'll do something for your shoulder.

 

[PivotPunch]

I wouldn't post a pic of Holly Holm as an example for good punching mechanics but whatever.

Just optimize your punching mechanics I have the issue that i sometimes try too much to be like some fighter but forget about that. Everybody fighters nad even punches differently. McGregor punches nothing like Tyson did they have different mechanics on most of their punches.

Obviously there are some fundamental mechanics every big puncher has but the details are differently George Forean and earnei Shavers had really awkward looking punches and seemingly not a lot of leg movement and they had huge power. Everybodys body is different.

Just put as much weight as possible into your pucnhes while keeping balance and don't think abotu the rest is my suggestion.

Also everyone is mentally different not just physically some things go naturally for some and for others they don't so you have to think differently while punching and focus on different things.

I'm not Tyson or even mcGregor but i don't think of pulling back the opposite shoudler for example at least not actively. I also dont think a whole lot about twisting your foot to me the twisting of the foot is just a result of you putting your weight into the puncha dn you opening up your hips and knee so that you don't lose power but in itself it doesn't add power to the punch

 

[a guy]

The key to snapping punches isn't in the upper body, it's in the hips. When your weight shifts into the punch make sure it loads into the opposite hip, that way you have balance and are ready to explode with the loaded hip to drive in the other direction, or fold deeper into that hip to change levels and possibly roll out if a counter is coming.

 

[bobthebuilder]

I will share the secret when I retire

 

[Borass]

Hello !

My coach told me to imagine that my arms were ropes thrown from my hips/waist. It gives a "whip" sensation, preventing from arm punching, and making you body relaxed during the motion until the impact and easily recovering. I think this advice helped me a lot to focus on hips and legs to generate power.

 

[War-Pig]

Find the punches that work well with your body type, then you'll develop that snap. Also tighten your fist and arm as you are landing the punch, not before.

Your hips and legs need to be moving as well along with the punch. The snap really comes from your hips and legs.

 

[Davem10]

I recorded myself throwing the 1 2 today for the first time (pretty much noob with no fights)

Wasnt impressed, seemed slow and sluggish, not much snap atall

I will upload for advice

 

[rmongler]

Imagine there are ropes tied around your shoulders with the ends dangling, and you're trying to crack them at someone.

Now you now the difference between power punching and arm punching.