The straight right
The second punch to learn in boxe is the straight right (orthodox fighter), often called the cross.
This is a powerful knock-out punch, thrown with your rear hand directly at your opponent, straight out from your fighting stance and then straight back in.
Characteristics of the straight right
The straight right is a power punch and, as the other power punches, is characterized by a transfer in weight. When throwing this punch, your weight is transferred from the rear foot to the front foot allowing to get the most power off it.
This is the quickest power punch to throw at your opponent when you’re not on the inside, it’s easy to set up as well as thrown independently and if thrown correctly leaves you in a good position to follow up with other punches.
Execution of the straight right
Focus on this points when you start learning the straight right:
- From your fighting stance rotate your hips pushing with the back foot and pivoting on the ball of the foot, this is what give power to the punch.
- Throw your punch straight from your guard.
- Keep your elbow in, turn the fist at the end of the punch and fully extend your arm
- Rotate your shoulder to protect your chin
- After the impact bring the rear hand straight back and move your weight into your original fighting stance
Key points to remember
When training the cross remember that:
- Straight punches go straight out and straight back.
- You don’t want to push, but to snap.
- When transferring your weight forward you have to remain in balance.
- Your lead hand has to stay up in the guard position protecting your chin.
- Keep your chin down.
- Exhale when throwing and stay relaxed, it will be much faster accurate.
Mastering the straight right
Mastering the straight right means learning the best power punch to use within mid-range to long-range.
Train it consistently and often because this punch is part of the 'bread and butter' of boxing.
The ability to 'soften up' a target at long range makes the task of delivering a wider range of combinations (incorporating hooks and uppercuts) much easier.