The uppercut is one of the most dangerous punches in boxing when it is thrown properly, and one of the most useless when it is not. In this video lesson I show how throwing it at an angle of 45 degrees changes everything. It is for boxers and martial artists who want an uppercut with real stopping power.

Why 45 Degrees

Most people throw the uppercut straight up, like they are lifting something. That uses the arm and not much else. By using an angle of 45 degrees, you can generate more torque, and more torque means more stopping power. The angle lets the hips and shoulders turn into the punch instead of just lifting it.

It also changes how the punch arrives. A shot coming in at an angle is harder to see and harder to block than one coming straight up the middle.

The Spiral

The second ingredient is the spiralling, corkscrew type movement. As the punch travels, the fist turns. That spiral adds to the knockout potential, because the force is not just pushing the head, it is twisting it as well.

Do not overdo the twist. It should be a natural result of the body turning, not a separate flick of the wrist.

Move Your Whole Bodyweight

Shifting your entire bodyweight in the direction you want the power to go will also add to the effect. This is where most uppercuts fall down. The arm goes one way and the body stays where it was. Put your weight behind the punch and in the same direction, and you will feel the difference straight away.

Common Mistakes

  • Dropping the hand low before throwing, which telegraphs the shot
  • Leaning back as the punch goes up, which takes the bodyweight out of it
  • Throwing it from too far away, where it has nothing to hit
  • Forgetting to bring the hand back to guard

Practise it on the pads with a partner holding at the right angle, then on an uppercut bag if you have one. Knockout punches should be trained with control, and any partner work should be light, with protection and a cooperative partner.

Take It Further

Give it a try and see how you get on. For the full set of punches built properly from stance up, look at the Learn To Box Online Course. For more on generating torque and power, see Power Black.