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Boxing: The Five Phases Of Boxing

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Boxing, a fierce sport that requires both quick thinking and fast reflexes. The right hook is known for its knock downs and defeats of even the most elite of players and was a popular spectator sport in Ancient Rome. Since then the world of boxing has only grown, bringing out elite athletes like Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson. There are five phases of the Right Hook punch, the starting position, the wind up phase, initial swing phase, contact phase, and lastly the recoil phase.

The start position will consist of moving the arms up to block the face requiring flexion of the elbows at a little less than a 45o angle, the flexion of the elbow takes place with the mediolateral axis along a sagittal plane (2). This will ensure the protection of the …show more content…

When the arm is brought back, there is adduction with a slight downward rotation at the shoulder griddle and at the shoulder joint there is a horizontal abduction and external rotation and extension. There is still flexion within the elbow and the wrists are still in a neutral position with a slight flexion. The initial swing phase is the phase where the hook is finally thrown but has yet to make contact. The movements in this phase are clear and noticeable as there is rotation of the shoulder and hips, which triggers many muscular contractions. At the shoulder girdle there is abduction with mild upward rotation, while at the shoulder joint there is horizontal adduction with slight internal rotation. The elbow is then raised and bent at to form a 90o angle (5) Acceleration begins when the fists begin to swing towards the target. In the contact phase at the shoulder girdle there is abduction at the shoulder joint and horizontal adduction with a slight internal rotation along with flexion. At the elbow joint there is still flexion, however, the elbow is whipped in an arc towards the left shoulder as natural extension of the hip torque occurs (5). During the contact phase the elbow extends to 180o …show more content…

If the angle is more or less than 90o this makes the movement ineffective and is unable to provide maximum power in the punch (6). A beginner boxer is more likely to extend their elbow and are open to blocks from the opponents, while a more experienced boxer is able to angle their elbow and drive more force into the punch. There is also the case with exaggerated movement and because there is limited flexion in the elbow the boxer is more prone to a dislocated shoulder. Another two stances that may affect a beginner is excessive wrist flexion with feet too wide apart and hands to far from the face with excessive shoulder and wrist extension. Most professional boxers when they complete a right hook they aim to knockout their opponent. If the hands of their opponent are far from their face it leaves them vulnerable to these punches (7). As shown, neither of these stances are going to prove effective and are more likely to result in injury. Both some beginners and professionals are guilty of this action and that’s ignoring pain or ‘playing through’, it could strain muscles and further degenerate injured tissue. Therefore, it is best to rest then risk further injury

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