The hardest punch in the world does nothing if it misses. This video lesson gives you a top tip to make sure you hit what you are aiming at and, more importantly, what to do if you are consistently missing your target. It is for boxers and martial artists who throw good punches that do not always land where they should.

Why People Miss

Missing is rarely about the arm. It is usually about something earlier in the chain. Common causes include:

  • Wrong distance. You are too far away, so the punch falls short, or too close, so it jams.
  • Looking at the wrong place. Your eyes drift or close at the moment of impact.
  • Telegraphing. A wind-up gives the other person time to move.
  • Poor balance. If you are off balance, the punch goes where your body is falling, not where you aimed.

Aim For A Point, Not An Area

Accuracy comes from precision of intent. If you aim at a head, you might hit somewhere on it. If you aim at a point on the jaw, you are far more likely to land on or near it. Train yourself to pick a specific spot for every punch.

This matters even more for the knockout. Knockouts depend on hitting the right place at the right angle. A powerful shot that lands a few centimetres off target often just makes the other person angry.

What To Do If You Keep Missing

If you are consistently missing, do not just try harder. Stop and diagnose it:

  1. Check your distance. Are you in range when the punch starts?
  2. Check your eyes. Are they on the target all the way through?
  3. Check your balance. Are you still balanced at the end of the punch?
  4. Check for a wind-up. Is something giving the punch away?

Fix the cause and the accuracy usually comes back on its own.

How To Practise

Use small targets. Put tape marks on the bag, or have a pad holder present a pad for a moment and then take it away. Slow down until you hit every time, then add speed. In partner drills keep it light, with control and a cooperative partner.

Take It Further

The Learn To Box Online Course builds accuracy, distance and timing together. For more instruction on landing with real power, look at Power Black.