Uppercuts are a great and powerful close boxing move. The move resembles a pirate"s hook, as the attacking hand is formed downwards and is swung with force upwards. This punch, which is mainly thrown at the chin of the opponent, was invented by Robert Koch. Uppercut, along with the cross, is considered as two of the most power packed punches in boxing and kickboxing. In a traditional combination of boxing, it is second punch that is thrown, after the jab, but it can either finish or initiate a combination.

The uppercut is a very powerful and effective inside punch. This punch is very useful when thrown at a close range as it is thought to cause more damage when it is at a nearby range. The uppercut is directed either high, towards the head under the chin, or low to the body, often in the solar plexus area. The uppercut can be thrown effectively with either the right hand or the left hand, with the right uppercut being slightly more powerful. Added to that, it is quite possible that a boxer can miss uppercuts when the opponents are apart. This punch is dangerous when landed in the chin. But can also cause huge damage when it is landed to the chin and thrown to the body, or when landing on the eyes or nose.

While performing an uppercut, the attacker should also stay close to target, in order to prevent the opponent from detecting that punch is coming, and countering with a straight punch. An uppercut also loses some of its power when lands from outside as the arm is no longer bent at the elbow and also cannot successfully transfer the total force of the body in upward movement.

Steps to Throw an Uppercut in Boxing

•Get into the boxing stance. Have the hands up, protecting the face. Left hand in front if a person is right-handed or right hand in front if a person is left-handed. Remember to keep the elbows in.
•Prepare the uppercut throw. The person will be throwing it with his dominant hand, the one he writes with.
•Get in close to the sparring partner.
•Wait until they leave their belly unprotected and punch in a C or U formation.
•Bend the legs 40 degrees. Push up and turn from the stomach, with the fist in front for maximum velocity. This will provide momentum.

Tips

•A useful combination of punches is a jab, an uppercut, then a left hook.
•Remember that the power of an uppercut comes from your feet and the rotation of the hips. Drive the punch up by pushing from the feet upwards like to imagine throwing a heavy metal ball upwards from the hip position.
•To get the uppercut stronger, focus on the biceps, triceps, and forearms when working out.
•To build the uppercut speed, hold 5-pound dumbbells and move like one is doing an uppercut.

Warnings

•It is possible to knock out someone with this move.
•Be aware of how to use uppercut. Uppercuts are the deadliest attacks in boxing.
•Always wear boxing gloves. One could seriously injure someone without them.

Common Mistakes on Bad Uppercuts

•Don"t lift the hips
•Rotate the body
•Don"t over-extend
•Don"t drop the hands

The uppercut, like other punches, is a deadly force when used properly. The uppercut"s unorthodox angle combined with its deadly power can cripple unsuspecting opponents.