BE A TRUE CONTENDER

Build explosive power in your shoulders by boxing shadows like a pro. Ian Streetz gives you the lowdown on throwing a winning combination

THE UPPER HAND

One of the most underused and incorrectly thrown punches in the ring. With your guard up, elbows tucked in and chin down, unwind your hips as you throw your punch, making sure your palm is facing you and ensuring the power is directed straight up.

BY THE HOOK

A versatile punch, hooks can be thrown with your lead or rear hand. Keep your abs crunched and turn your hips slightly toward the hand you’re hooking with to add force to your punch. Be sure to keep your elbow bent at 90 degrees on impact.

CROSS CONTROL

To land the knockout blow, you need to think with your shoulders, not your arms. Initiate the move by twisting your rear foot and bending your knees as you throw the punch with your backhand, driving your shoulder forward.

INJECT THE JAB

Turning your fist as you punch, throw your lead hand out. In order to protect your jaw, keep your chin tucked and imagine you’re trying to hit the side of your jaw with your shoulder. To avoid a counter-punch, snap your arm back as quickly as you can.