Want to score that knockout punch? Your in the right place. From not being able to beat your way out of a wet paper bag to dropping people like Mike Tyson. Let’s get to it! This is how to punch harder. Some people are born punchers. Some people aren’t that doesn’t mean you can’t become one.
Just punch harder?
When people think of boxers that punch hard they instantly think of Mike Tyson. What a lot of people don’t know it wasn’t just the power that was causing the knockouts. Tyson’s speed and timing was key to his knockouts. Mike Tyson didn’t have single punch power unlike George Foreman or Deontay Wilder. Below we have different methods we would recommend to punch harder and get a knockout.
Pressure points
Tyson utilised pressure points to cause knockouts. His hooks to the liver and kidney punches were instrumental to causing his opponents to drop their hands. To open up a clear punch to the chin or temple. However, a well placed liver punch was often enough. Punching smarter often beats punching harder – wild and inaccurate. A few training methods can help improve this.
Bob dummy
The Bob dummy is perfect for improving accuracy, hitting those pressure points and landing knockout punches. However, they are expensive. We would recommend them if you have the money as it’s a great piece of kit and is much more applicable than a bag.
Punch bag with numbers
A cheaper alternative than the bob dummy is a punching bag marked with numbers. This is the method that fighters in the past used. Having someone call the numbers out improved reactions and developed muscle memory. Punching harder, faster and landing on the areas that will score a knockout.
Speed = power
The faster something is hit causes more damage. A truck driving into a building at 100mph compared to 10mph has very different outcomes. As we know speed = distance ÷ time this brings us to timings. Floyd Mayweather not known for his punch power as his career progressed still managed to score knockdowns and knockouts, how? Balance and timing.
Mayweather’s famous pull counter was ingenious, he used his opponents momentum against them landing as they come forward. Perfect timing meant he did not need to punch hard, it was fast and accurate. His opponents was off balanced and often resulted in a knockdown.
How to build punch power
So now you understand that technique is key when trying to punch harder and score a knockout. Let’s not forget there is certain exercises and drills you can use to develop one punch knockout power.
Landmine
Landmines are usually made up of a barbell, some weight plates, a post and a landmine handle. They are highly effective at helping you to build explosive strength. Multiple exercises can be done to develop strength and punch power using landmines. Anthony Joshua is regularly seen using this method to improve punching power.
Medicine balls
You might think how can a heavy ball improve punching power? Medicine balls are fairly cheap and can be used for multiple exercises almost always to improve strength which will allow you to punch harder.
Slams
Sounds simple, it is simple. The heavier the better but lift the ball above your head and slam it into the ground as hard as you can. This will improve conditioning and explosive strength done in a HIIT workout.
Throws
Very similar to slams but you can add variation. Use a wall (padded ideally) and throw the ball into it as hard as you can (one handed) this will develop the muscles required to improve punching power and is a more natural move to do. You can also do this with a partner. Throwing the ball to each other either above the head or in punch position and increase the distance between you to increase the difficulty.
Resistance bands
Resistance bands can be used to punch harder. In the modern era of today we benefit from the tech that comes with it. The resistance band suit allows you to do your standard workout on the heavy bag with extra well.. resistance. This will improve punching power over time and allow you to deliver those knockout punches.
Plyo push-up
A non equipment way to increase punching power is the plyo push-up. Free and can be done anywhere makes this one of the best ways to increase strength. What a plyo push-up does is increase explosive strength in the ‘jump’ whilst your muscles are under pressure on the descent.
Now you know how to punch harder
Use these techniques, Improve your strength and speed and you will punch harder and deliver those knock outs. Some punchers are born, some are made. Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post you might enjoy reading about the hardest punchers of all time.
