Most people teach that the uppercut is thrown at 90 degrees to the floor, straight up. We do it differently and teach it at 45 degrees. This video lesson explains why. The main reason is that it helps to generate more power, more speed and an angle that will have more effect on your opponent.

It is for boxers, coaches and anyone who has felt that their uppercut is slow, easy to see or lacking power.

The Trouble With The Straight Up Uppercut

The vertical uppercut has a few problems. To throw it straight up, most people drop the hand first to get underneath. That takes time and opens a gap. It also travels on a line that is easy to block with the forearms, and it often has more arm than body in it.

Why 45 Degrees Works Better

When you throw the uppercut at 45 degrees, it comes in on a diagonal line rather than straight up. That changes several things:

  • The punch can come from closer to your guard, so there is less wind-up
  • Your hips and legs drive it on the diagonal, so more body weight goes into it
  • It travels through gaps in the guard that a vertical punch cannot reach
  • It strikes the jaw or body on an angle that moves the target more

The body generates power by turning and driving from the ground, not by lifting the arm. A diagonal path lets the hips and legs do far more of the work.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is dropping the hand before throwing. Keep it near your guard and let the body take it on its path. The second is reaching. The uppercut is a close-range punch. If you are too far away, it turns into a weak, swinging shot and leaves you open. Finally, make sure the other hand stays home on your face while you throw.

How To Practise It

Start slowly in front of a mirror and check the angle. Then work it on the pads, with the pad holder angling the pad so you can feel the 45 degree line. Once it feels natural, work it on the heavy bag and pay attention to where the power comes from. If your shoulder is doing most of the work, slow down and let the hips drive it.

Take It Further

The uppercut and all the other punches are taught step by step in the Learn To Box Online Course. If you want more power in every strike, Power Black is where I go into striking power in depth.