How to Throw a Snap Punch

Learn how to throw snapping punches instead of pushing punches. Snap punches give you more power, more speed, faster combinations, while using less energy (also wasting less energy), and don't telegraph as much as push punches. It's a critical punching technique for anyone looking to be a skilled puncher.
Read the full boxing guide: www.expertboxing.com/boxing-te...
00:00 - Intro
00:06 - Basic technique for snap punch
00:14 - The different between pushsing punches and snapping punch
01:38 - Snap Punch #1 - Relax
02:03 - Snap Punch #2 - Sharp explosion of muscle
02:20 - Snap Punch #3 - Quick breath - quick punch
03:25 - Snapping combination
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[@user-bc9fe7pd9r]

Thinking of your hands like whips was a biblical life-changing tip for me. Thanks again for all the free awesome tips.

[@najicarson140]

Can you elaborate

[@grtsmts953]

@@najicarson140 might be a bit late but here is what i think he meant. your hand is the end of the whip. Your feet are the handle If you relax and turn your feet. Your knees, hips shoulders and arm will follow. If you tighten up you lose power in those areas (for instance if you tense up your shoulders you get arm punches/pushing punches) When mcgreggor punches you can see how he whips his fist)

[@yousweetpotato1]

This is the best explanation of a snapping punch I’ve heard, from multiple coaches. I was putting extraneous energy into snapping the hand back. So your explanation of relaxing as soon as it lands, and letting it come back, is super helpful. And I didn’t understand that the advantage of snapping is in energy saving. And how to tell if ur pulling back too early. Such helpful nuances.

[@expertboxing]

Snapping punches take a lot of practice but it's oh, so worth it once you get the hang of it. Your world will change.

[@expertboxing]

2 snapping punch tips for you: 1) stay balanced 2) throw at half power

[@umabisht7875]

Half power means half rotation right?

[@caterdeal2792]

Good shit man

[@trevortimoko7512]

Can u explain what u mean by half power please

[@brandonbeck6596]

@@umabisht7875 no it means don’t punch with full extense just pop and throw your punches sharo

[@MinhGiang1009]

Throw at half power for a faster, smoother, swifter punch? Thank you for this advice.

[@mrbest1981]

This guy is amazing. Such an accurate break down. When punching, the hand is loose and relaxed and doesn't tense up until the impact before it becomes loose again. This happens in a split second. Your body weight transfer initiates the thrust of the punch and loose and relaxed muscles are able get significantly more velocity therefore power, and return quicker to throw another punch or kick. That is the secret of an effective punch, also kick. Same dynamics apply to kicking. The hip and foot have to be ultra loose and relaxed for an effective kick, and you can snap your foot just the same.

[@ramiebashir9223]

You are the reason for my interest in boxing. U see boxing isn't a widly spread sport and so I had no way of knowing how great it is if i did not accedintaly bump into one of ur videos, and I gotta say that every second of every video u make is never wasted. And I don't have to be a boxer to practice boxing techniques like the snap punches. (Sorry for the long comment because I know that u r considerate enough to read them all and even reply)

[@expertboxing]

Thank you, Ramie!

[@qweqwe1324]

10 years later and this is still very informative and concise, thank you for the video my friend.

[@johnmarty2966]

Yeah, this guy's awesome! I just box for fitness, but I've been watching his videos for years and they really help me out!

[@ronthunders6124]

You have that perfect cross man!! Its a piston!!!

[@expertboxing]

Thanks!

[@rokmin8550]

You're 100% correct with this video, I was a big user of "push punches" when I first began boxing. I developed it by excessive use of the heavy bag and I liked wowing the newbies at the gym by "push punching" the bag all over the place. I think bags such as the cobra bag (which I didn't have) and the top/bottom bag teach you to develop the "snap" you need better than the heavy bag, unless you do it like you are doing here. Foreman was a big "push puncher" but he was just so strong he could get away with it, compared to say Shavers who had more snap to his punches. I call it "shock power" Before I retired I only got knocked down once (sorry shameless brag :) ) but it definitely wasn't from the hardest punch I ever got hit with, but it had lots of "shock power" and this guy was so good at not telegraphing his punches, it changed my opinion on punching. Great video!

[@expertboxing]

glad you finally decided on snap punching, it truly is the best!

[@RossKempOnYourMum01]

"Dent the bag" That's a really good cue actually. Stealing that.

[@HorsepowerDemonzX]

I have learned through constant practice that one important concept of "snap" is understanding the transfer of energy by using the hips. Snapping in my perspective requires 25% arm and 75% hips. The faster you rotate your hips to and from the target, the faster your punch will be exerted and returned. If you leave your hips in a stagnant position or drag them back into position after a punch, the return will become slower because youre using your arms and not your hips to re-position.

[@ericmoonchristopher8334]

Exactly well said 🤝

[@gorizg4129]

And if you drag back your hips before the punch lands it wont have any power What i also learned is that u must rotate the hips FIRST Thats how u avoid the pushing motion

[@midairman]

This makes a lot of sense. I enjoy watching your videos; they pinpoint a lot of errors I didn't know I make while boxing (I'm sort of an autodidact). Going to try this out asap. Keep up the good work, your punch looks lethal from here!

[@JeffJanvier305]

mannn great video and great snap punches thats what im trying to work on now

[@AllahuAkbar-uh3gv]

Jeff Janvier ur punches are better now?

[@JoshuaSherer]

This lesson is so analogous to drumming! Many thanks!

[@maliksikandermov]

I really like your videos and the advice you give. Soon i'll start boxing after i've recoverd from an injury and this gives me so much basic knowledge to start the lessons with. Instead of starting like a clueless beginner.

[@Bflo23]

It makes so much sense. The combos are much faster and you bring your hands back faster for defense. It will definitely save stamina as well.

[@octaviakf]

This was a great video and its exactly what I'm working on now and its hard as crap with the off hand my power hand has it down. Thanks,

[@user-lu8mf8vm6r]

Hello. My name is John. I started boxing for couple of months now. Indeed i use to throw punches so tight and stiff as begginer as i am. But today after i read this article and watched this video i tested the snapping punches on my home heavy bag. Dude, immediately, i feel difference, So much faster, ever though little clumpsy and ugly punches as a begginer, but still much more faster, sharper, more precise and relaxed than before, when i hit with push punches so far.. Tnx i wlll work on snap punches to master it. tnx.

[@expertboxing]

So happy for you, John. I know the feeling! Good job figuring that out. It’s so hard for many people, especially when they’re so tempted to push.

[@ALMateria]

I found this to be a GREAT Video in your series.... Explains things simply and clearly....

[@zindoalbert]

Nice, I was struggling to understand what my coach meant and this video was very helpful, thanks for that! Puting speed of video at 0.25% and seeing when the muscles took action gave me a cool illustration/comparisson about energy efficiency

[@expertboxing]

Awesome!

[@deumevet]

so the key is smash and let it naturaly comes back right? so its like a rapid contraction relaxation, too much contraction makes the push effect i believe....

[@dang2979]

Love your videos man, keep it up.

[@expertboxing]

Good job, keep doing it! It's good that you have awareness of when you push.

[@Nyctalope2026]

Man, youre the best coach Ive seen on youtube...im starting my training next week. thanks for all the videos!

[@IrisCorven]

I just recently started learning Boxing a month or two back, after watching a documentary about Dempsey. I went from never liking sports, to finding something that focuses my mind on a goal and gives me a great exercise to help me keep on weight in the form of muscle. (I had lung issues, and dropped below 110lbs before I needed surgery - I'm now 143lbs.) I really appreciate all your videos, as they've given me a lot of pointers I'd never have gotten elsewhere in my town, because I can't find an amateur league, trainers, or even sparring partners here. (Everyone is super into MMA, no boxers.) So your videos and articles are really all I have as a trainer. Keep it up!

[@expertboxing]

Congratulations to you, man! Keep doing what you're doing and thanks for sharing your story.

[@DimeSingerSongwriterArtistxo]

you are a incredible teacher when explaining the detail of all boxing's aspects

[@tyson5741]

very good well rounded video and straight forward:) i love how you got right to the point.

[@ervinfowlkes8326]

Great vid, helped me out a ton!

[@tracyquintos]

Thanks for putting up these videos! I appreciate it!

[@rollingnay]

Been subscribing a while. So great to see you at 175k subs. You deserve it !

[@expertboxing]

Thanks, Scott!

[@ontariobuds]

Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. 🥊 🏆

[@iioo187]

i love this video, very learning. Thank you.

[@psychkick666]

Thank you soooooo Much. You explain everything in boxing so well, down to small bodily movements. You give us a lot of incentive to follow exactly what you do. Unlike boxing trainers at the gym I go to, they don't explain anything unless you ask them.

[@jondrive8801]

Best vid on the topic so far! Thank you

[@expertboxing]

thank you and glad you like it!

[@EminentPrime]

Thank you for your videos, I just decided to start exercising with a heaving bag after watching a rocky marathon... looked like great exercise. so i bought a good heavy bag and some gloves. Thanks for you videos, before watching this videos i was pushing the bag and did not have the proper technique. Thanks again and love the videos.

[@expertboxing]

Haha @ the Rocky movies. I'm always the same way. Thanks for the comment.

[@sourya111]

Thanks Johny,that was really helpful....

[@syedyounasjaved4316]

That beautiful sound when you whip your punches

[@expertboxing]

yes yes!!!

[@damon123jones]

i used train in shotokan karate and was taught this truth ,good job

[@tdurden9532]

Very good explanation. Other KZbin boxers take note.

[@lionheart4445]

i like the fact that you always mixt CHI with boxing ! thank you !

[@MeruAileron]

Thank you Johnny, I just got done with my second session today and the heavy bag was swinging around like CRAZY. Not to mention I got breathless pretty fast as well. When my coach hit the bag, it barely even moved, but you could see the force that went inside it. I guess that's what he failed to tell me. "Let my fists bounce off the bag." I realise now that if I do that my arms absorb less force and it's channeled into the bag! You're awesome! ^___^

[@dUbLeA92]

Good explaination, keep up the work Jonny

[@expertboxing]

Now here's a quick detail. You want to bounce a hard punch off the bag, not a soft punch off the bag. But nonethless let it bounce off the bag as hard and as relaxed as possible. Instant tension at the moment of impact. Great job, keep it up!

[@PASQUAO90]

Awesome tutorial!!!!

[@mickysa8670]

that was a REALLY great tutorial, great reminders ! I trained for approximately 2 years, about 5 years ago and I'm interested again. I used to hurt my back (significantly) when i first started training (and hitting the bag) and it was because i made the mistake of "pushing" the bag (as you described). Your video was full of great reminders for a strong skill set in training, thank you ! going to look for a speed bag tutorial (made by you), hope to find one!

[@expertboxing]

I do have a video on speed bag. I hope it helps you. Thanks for the comment.

[@expertboxing]

YES! That's a good way of looking at it.

[@nainoa2323]

I was never shown any love inside my mma gym for striking. Thanks for all your videos, they are powerful like a drug to me.

[@AlrightThen15]

I agree, pretty good vid. My striking has improved too. The best I have see on here is the Coach Rose guy. "fighters domain - boxing training" on you tube. Keeps his vids short and to the point

[@tokageroh1988]

Your body mechanics are perfect. Great video!

[@AlrightThen15]

I agree, good vid. The best I have see on here is the southern national coach for golden gloves. He does a series called "fighters domain - boxing training" on you tube. Keeps his vids short and to the point.

[@KevinSaundersPaperAirplaneGuru]

Excellent explanation.

[@ztwntyn8]

well said, easy to understand.

[@sniperassist15]

thanks your are my favorite channel for these types of things

[@finalfrenzy856]

great demo

[@expertboxing]

Thanks Katie

[@mrohida]

This is an excellent video and a great explanation of the "snapping" punch. For anyone doubting the power of a snapping punch just watch Tyson hit the heavy bag and it will becomes obvious. Thank you for posting this video.

[@jm-jx8xt]

great job. thanks for the useful info

[@NoraBennis]

thanks man, very helpful

[@kareemjohnson7099]

Thanks! You really help me how to perfect my snap punch

[@h4786]

Great video. Very helpful. I've been doing the mitts for a few months now but I tend to do pushing punches when I hit the heavy bag. I'll apply what I've learned in this video right away. Thanks and more power!

[@ArcLucius]

wow, the relax and hit.. it`s seem easy when I watch this.. but when I try it, it`s really hard to do, I always forget to relax my arm after hit...

[@tcevallos]

You are the best trainer/teacher! I mean that! Thanks for the videos!

[@Bill22941963]

thanks for the video, I learned a lot from it. Trying to correct my punching

[@suhartonoptk2129]

Amazing idea!

[@Jdog305Cubanito]

Nice Combos bro

[@CBP258]

You are far far far faster than I expected, so much speed and power. I wanna see a sparring video :)

[@kc9242]

Good stuff, helpful, thanks!

[@expertboxing]

glad you like it!!!

[@FsrSagna]

great presentation, and execution your videos are better than paid help

[@jonsmith3046]

love your posts , great tips thank you!

[@TheChanca]

Thank you for explaining this! I really appreciate it, sir.

[@GuyFromTheSouth]

The best way to learn snapping punches is a double end bag!

[@immortaliserwow]

Another good video!

[@MechPhantom]

oh ok th alot man ill try it out then i share with you and the boxing community to help one another. ill go train now thx alot man your good

[@McCurleyFries]

I feel like this is the explanation I needed on relaxing benefits

[@COMB0RICO]

Thanks from Texas

[@zorabruh9283]

nice video man thanks

[@expertboxing]

thank you

[@GarlicJalapeno]

Thanks for the great video - the explanation makes perfect sense. It's fun to see that heavy bag really move after a push punch but no one wins a fight by pushing. You got any recommendations for a beginner set of gloves? I don't want to spar just want to hit the bag in the gym for fitness & fun.

[@mmanatomyhayemaker203]

I read an article on your website. This is a complete objectification of what is the right boxing punch in principle, I have reviewed a huge amount of work on the bag of ordinary people and boxers, many can not hit as you say, this is really a very alien skill for people, so many people have a misunderstanding. But there is Canelo - he fully corresponds to what is written in the article. Everything down to the details. And he is top 1 p4p

[@matkasim]

very good explanation. tqvm

[@sugarsaint]

thanks for watching? thank u for sharing !!

[@brandonfromkc2815]

Well done

[@corpsereviver6771]

Nice one johnny.

[@myicetime]

Thank you very much I'm a fencer and my coach said that I such take up boxing to help my fencing but thank you very much

[@pakistanzucks]

I just joined boxing few days ago , and my couch was telling me to snap my jabs, however he would show me real quick then walk away and tend to the other fighters etc, I was so confused I needed more examples and know how, so I said let's see if you tube can help me lol and yes thank you sir 👍

[@dukie160]

Okay, cool, thanks for the information and advice!

[@expertboxing]

Good technique helps. Good gloves helps. Not over-training also helps.

[@stamenosfamily5]

YOU ARE GREAT......(as allways). thanks again one more time from greece.....

[@DreamPierre]

You've been such a big help...totally awesome sauce lol....kidding around....sending good energy. Be essed everyone...

[@galogallo]

Great explaination thank you!

[@marcosramirez8526]

thanks bro thats all i needed to know

[@gmme00]

Nice videos!

[@nigelalksopp6284]

Thanks im going to follow all u say pal

[@drunkenmaster89467]

Thanks for the feedback. I understand the concept now... I noticed that people tell me the punches hurt more when i snap my punches...kind of like a sharp pain like a knife or sword poking holes in you...

[@northswole]

Nice job teaching how to throw a right telegraphed punch. Beautiful

[@expertboxing]

I'm exaggerating it as much as possible so everyone can get a chance to visualize the feeling that I'm trying to create. If I just threw the punch normally, it'd be harder for you guys to see the difference in technique and points of focus.

[@Crowvus]

+expertboxing Dont feed trolls.. Great video!

[@GJitzu]

+expertboxing you seem like a great guy but i dont know what makes you an expert. you are teaching punches without a gaurd? that is really a huge no no. ive trained in some great boxing gyms in mexico and my coaches woud laugh at this. i currently do mma at alliance just so u have an idea of my backround. your form should always have your gaurd up. when practicing and teaching because thats how bad habbits are created. its for your own good to take my feedback. id love to spar you btw. Cheers

[@une6two943]

+giovanni tiscareño make your own video

[@sicboxing4900]

But its just a demo, the punches can be done with your guard up (its not my way of punching tho). Many well known PRO boxers hit the bags with their hands down during practice, it doesnt mean they don't know what they're doing. The secret of punching fast and with snap is definately in the technique, the elite boxers have their own secret techniques.

[@topfeliz3470]

Thanks a lot dude

[@PLAYAZGAME]

very good video, im gonna train this every day and im gonna try to snap my kicks 2

[@shaynewilliams4482]

it's the same concept as a thrust kick vs a snap kick. The thing about thrust kicks though is that it's exceptionally useful for controlling your opponents positioning and balance. while a "push punch" as he said may not have the necessary force to push someone down, let's say a side thrust kick that you always see bruce lee doing with the guy in the air, it's a different story, because the depending on the results, you can kick him into something i.e. a wall, off some stairs or a cliff, into something he might trip over like a garbage can or a cub, or you might just be trying to throw him off balance, and if you manage to yield extreme results like bruce lee, lift the guy off the ground completely lol

[@mezcalyn]

great video

[@bobscorpion9722]

Your very good dude !

[@kytrex]

Thanks again. Awhile back I made rookie mistake of pushing my punches on a heavy bag thinking they would be more powerful and ended up damaging my left wrist pretty bad. I wish I would've watched this video beforehand.

[@CoNNoRCfC22]

This is brilliant this has improved my combinations so much now

[@malangamba]

no one could fully explain what a snap punch is. your video is THE BEST :P

[@philippelbrown]

love these vids