The Straight Back Hand (2)

 

The Straight Back Hand: Beyond the "Cross"

Let's talk about the straight back hand, the punch that packs the most power for most boxers. I intentionally don't call this punch a "cross" because it's a straight punch, and the word "cross" sometimes confuses people, causing them to literally cross their body, which is not what you want to do.

Your back hand is typically your dominant hand. If you're right-handed and in an orthodox stance, this is your straight right hand. If you're left-handed and in a southpaw stance, it's your straight left. For most people, this is considered your power hand. You can generate immense force by rotating your hips and sitting into the shot, using your body weight to drive the punch.

Landing a Clean Straight

The goal of the straight back hand is to go "straight down the middle", through your opponent's guard to their face. However, this is not always possible, especially if your opponent keeps a tight guard with their front hand in the way.

In these situations, you have a few options. You can use your footwork to line up the shot by sliding or stepping to your front side. This small movement creates an angle that opens up a clear path for your punch. Another option is to angle off to the side, which will align you more with your opponent's ear, making it harder for them to defend.

Most often, you sit on this punch without moving your feet to maximize its power. However, it is possible to step forward with your straight, using your forward momentum to generate even more force. It's not advisable to step backward with this punch, as your back foot can come off the ground, leaving you off-balance.

The Art of Repetition

The straight back hand is usually not thrown in quick succession as much as the jab, as it is not as versatile. If you are going to double up or throw multiple straight back hands, it is important to reset your hips every time to generate power. Remember, this punch is all about explosive, focused energy from your dominant side.