Some people have struggled with being too close to use their rear hand for the knockout. It is a common problem. The rear hand is the power hand, but when you are chest to chest it has nowhere to go. This video lesson gives you a tried and tested, simple method for the knockout from up close with the front hand.

It follows on from my earlier lesson, How to Knock Out Anyone, so add this to what you learned there. It is for boxers, martial artists and anyone who finds themselves jammed up and unable to land.

Why The Front Hand Works Up Close

At close range, the front hand is already nearer the target. It has a shorter path, so it lands faster and is harder to see. What it lacks is distance to build speed, so the power has to come from the body instead of the arm.

That means the feet, hips and shoulders do the work. The arm is just the delivery system. When you get that right, a short front hand shot can carry more power than a long swing.

Getting It Right

A few points to keep in mind:

  • Keep it short. Do not pull the hand back to load it. That just tells the other person what is coming.
  • Turn the body, not just the arm. The rotation through the hips is where the power comes from.
  • Stay tight. Your other hand stays up and your chin stays down, because at this range you can be hit too.
  • Drive through. Aim behind the target, not at it.

Train It Properly

You can mix and match this however you want, but take the time to train it properly. Start slowly on the pads so you can feel the body turning before the hand moves. Then add speed. Then move to the heavy bag and work it from a clinch position, where you have no room at all.

Knockouts are dangerous, so in partner work keep it light, use control, and always train with a cooperative partner wearing proper protection.

Take It Further

For a complete step by step approach to boxing technique, look at the Learn To Box Online Course. If short-range power is what you are after, Power Black is built around generating force without a big wind-up.