What Is A Haymaker Punch In Boxing? Easily Explained
A haymaker punch is a powerful punch using a lot of body strength in the boxing ring. It has the same action to a hook, but the shoulder and hip movement creates more power.
The haymaker punch could knock down the opponent or cause more damage so it’s important the boxer learns how to control the power of the punch by using proper technique.
Then he must use the right speed and timing to get into a position where he can deliver the punch safely. But what is it specifically?
A wide looping punch, the haymaker is used by winding up the entire body before throwing. The focus is to attack an opponent’s head or neck.
The distance allows the punch to be build speed at the point it hits the opponent. By hitting an opponent with this type of punch, it’s highly likely you will knock your opponent out.
There is a sterotype associated with the haymaker punch. Many beoieve that it isn’s a sophisticated move and is used in dirty fighting and uncontrollable brawls.
Despite the this common belief the punch is still used by a trained fighter because the punch is very effective.
The origin of the term “Haymaker Punch” isn’t but it seems that this punch is similar to the action of someone using a scythe to cut hay.
The swinging motion of a scythe when cutting hay closely resembles the action of a fighter throwing a haymaker punch. This is likely where the name came from.
WILD Punch
Haymakers are generally reserved for fighters who need to throw a powerful move in when they are outmatched or need to step up their defense.
In this case, the wild haymaker is often used to try to destabalise the opponent.
Do Professionals Use This Punch?
Haymakers are powerful punches but are usually only used by ametuers. Professional boxers tend to use them sparingly and will only use them as an unexpected fight winning bloiw.
In boxing, the speed of the punch is super important. With the right training the boxer can learn how to throw the punch quickly.
Amateur boxers may not see the punch coming but professionals learn to spot the signs so they can more easily respond.
Haymakers are thrown quickly without much thought so fighters who know how to throw a haymaker can catch opponents off guard and knock them out.
How To Do It
The way to throw a haymaker punch is to twist your body first, then lead with the rotation of your hips, followed by the shoulder, and finally the arm and fist.
This will deliver more power to the punch than any other form of punching.
In boxing, the haymaker can be thrown either as a straight punch or an uppercut.
The latter is more powerful than the former. As such, the boxer should throw an uppercut instead of a straight punch if he wants to land a knockout blow.
However, the boxer may want to avoid the haymaker altogether because it is very difficult to control as mentioned above.
If the punch fails to connect, the boxer will end up stumbling forward due to his momentum and this will then open himself up to a counter attack.
Defense
If thrown by an ametuer figher the haymaker is easy to defend as the opponent can easily see it coming. Haymakers are also often thrown too high or low, allowing the opponent to block them easily.
A defensive move against a haymaker punch involves ducking under the punch. Moving your head down a few feet will allow you to duck. Step backwards or lean backwards will also avoid being hit by the punch.
You can also try stepping forward close to your opponent which will make haymaker ineffective since the force is in the extended range. Stepping into closer to your opponent will reduce the force of the punch.
In any of these defensive measures, always face the punch up to protect yourself against it. If the blow lands on your arm instead of your head, deflect it away from your head.
Countering
A good boxer knows how to dodge punches thrown by an opponent. He steps back or steps in when he sees an opportunity to do so.
When he does this he gets out of the range of a punch. Then he can throw a quick uppercut to the jaw.
Step forward, block and counter with a body blow.
As you step forward, lift your arm to block the punch and throw a body punch.With a right hook, you can knock your opponent down.
You can also throw a left hook or a straight right hand. These punches won’t knock someone down, but they’ll effectively deflect the haymaker punch.
When To Do It
Jabbing your opponent is an important part of boxing because it allows you to test your opponent’s reactions. You may need to throw a couple jabs before landing a real punch.
Your opponent might try to cover up after every jab. This means he’ll miss out on seeing your next punch coming meaning it’s a good time to land a Haymaker punch.
If your opponent is driven back into the corner by your punches, he is forced to take a defensive stance. He will not be able to counterattack or recover his balance.
Improving Punching Technique
If you are new to boxing it’s important to start developing and practsing the skills you learn.
Before perefcting punches such as the haymaker, you need to learn how to protect yourself from injuries. Start with simple punches and kicks. Don’t worry about speed or power yet. Focus on developing solid technique first.
Boxing is a great sport for building strength and endurance. Preparing yuor mind is equally as important as preparing the body. Your goal shouldn’t simply be to use yuor fists as weapons.
You need to learn control and how to use your body correctly.
Start by practicing punches, then move onto combinations. Practice until you feel comfortable with the basics. Work out your upper body before moving on to punching bag training.
Keep your hands up when you practice.
To improve your punching technique you need to practice proper technique first. Then add in strength and power.
You start with three (3) basics:
- Left Punch
- Right Punch
- Straight Punch
Jabs
With your lead foot forward, extending the arm on that side, jab straight ahead, using your first two knuckles to guide you.
Without over-extending your elbow, jab hard, bringing your fist back to guard your face.
Jabbing is meant to be fast and easy, so the key thing with a jab is to return your fist quickly. After perfecting a single jab, make a double, always returning your fist to protect your face.
To make sure you get maximum power from your jabs and punch, think about how much energy comes from your entire body.
Starting from your feet, move up through your legs, torso, shoulders, and finally out through your arms.
Cross
Crosses are thrown by turning the back foot around and throwing the cross. This technique allows the user to avoid hurting the back. The motion starts from the feet and follows up to the hips. The power comes through the shoulder and the fist lands straight ahead.
Practice aiming at one spot. As you get better, add more power, then more speed. Keep your hand close to your face as you practice.
This punch is used to set up a follow-up attack. A jab-cross combination uses the jab as a base followed by a cross.
Hooks
Hooks are thrown by using the entire body. Start with your lead side. Bend your elbow to form the hook with your thumb atop your fist.
Turn your whole body in the same direction as your fist. Let your upper body follow your fist. Reset by facing front again.
For the other side, don’t switch your lead leg. Make sure you repeat the same position and movement when switching sides.
You should turn your whole body starting with the foot, followed by the leg, hip, torso and finally, the shoulder and arm.
Benefits Of Boxing
So, you’ve decide to start boxing, what are the actual benefits of adding this into our daily lives?
We’re constantly being told by doctors and fitness experts that taking care of our heart is essential to protect us from heart diseases and common ailments and stay healthy.
To keep your heart healthy, you need to be doing cardio exercise regularly.
Boxing is a great way to get your heart pumping and your lung working harder so you burn extra calories and reach a fat burning threshold.
Cardio exercise puts additional stress on your body but in a safe and managed manner, which results in beneficial system changes to support this increased level.
So, whatever exercises you do while you’re training, as long as you keep your heart rate up, you’ll be working to improve your cardio-vascular health and ultimately will benefit by having a healthier heart.
Boxing requires extreme physical strength. Training punching bags is an effective way to develop this strength .Boxing training builds strength in every part of your body.
Boxing also helps to improve your eye-hand coordination. To do this, you must practice punching at different angles and positions. This will help to develop muscle memory that is necessary in the ring. Shadow boxing is an effective way to develop hand eye coordination.
Regular exercise builds stamina and boxing training is no exception .Increased stamina and endurance is a big plus in life, it means you can do more for longer without getting worn out.
Boxing improves your overall fitness, as well as being great for mental helath. You might feel less stressed, and be less likely to get into arguments or fights. You’ll also be healthier and happier.
In Summary
Taking up boxing certainly is challenging but is well worth it for the health benefits it delivers. With practice and perseverance you can master the art of the haymaker punch which will enhance your boxing journey!