Dumb question - punching the forehead

[Higus]

I realized that I've developed a bad habit in sparring: I reflexively aim for the forehead when I throw punches. I think it's part because a lot of people hold their hands below their eyes, so the forehead looks like an available target so I end up focusing on it. Eventually, all my straight punches (i.e. jabs and crosses) go towards the forehead. Has anyone else had this problem and were you able to break the habit?

 

[Art of War]

There's no much to say other than focus on not doing it until you subconsciously avoid it.

 

[wilddeuces]

Look at his upper chest when throwing your punches. If his gloves are where they should be then you'll just have to learn how to counter-punch or pry apart his defense with combos.

 

[soldier99]

Aim for the throat I believe is a good idea. You'll hit his chin or nose

 

[ssullivan80]

put a jab in opponents forehead and throw your cross underneath your jab........ I.E: aim your cross at the underside of your jab glove (at the laces/ strap). Work's even better when you're opponents wearing headgear.

Honestly, the easiest way to fix this is to keep your chin down. In short, what you should probably be more concerned with is the fact that when your hitting the forehead. Your chin's likely up in the air. Almost all beginner or novice strikers look at where they are going to punch and if you're looking at an opponents forehead, your chin's probably up in the air. If you can imagine looking through your eyebrows at your target, you'll find your chin stays tucked and you'll be less likely to aim up high at the forehead. Imagine a square that goes across your opponents shoulders, through the collarbone and down to his waist, that's where you want to be looking and you'll find your punches won't float up high on the forehead nearly as often (unless the opponent drops down into it).

 

[GoatyP]

I was taught to jab the nose and throw straights to the chin. Like ssulivan80 said, keep your chin down. Keeping chin down also helps to prevent your cross from rolling downward so it comes back quicker to guard.

 

[facePuncher7]

Yeah man bad idea, try hitting the opponent instead

 

[Prez ebrmc]

Mixing up your jab target makes it harder to parry. Though some to forehead some to chin even upper chest and shoulder.

 

[fluffball]

The "classic" advice is to aim for the chest since you assume people are going to change level on you. I know how much this forum hates or can't define the "classic" boxing technique, but it's a start at least.