Boxing Uppercut

Muscles worked

Setup

1. Assume a boxing stance with your left foot forward, feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent.
2. Hold your hands up in a guard position near your chin with your elbows tucked into your ribs.
3. Distribute your weight evenly on the balls of your feet, staying light and ready to move.

How to do it

1. Dip your left shoulder slightly while rotating your left hip and knee inward, shifting weight toward the front leg to load the punch.
2. Drive upward through your legs and rotate your torso clockwise, launching the left fist in an upward arc with the palm facing toward you.
3. Exhale sharply on the strike, stopping the punch at roughly chin height with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.
4. Inhale as you quickly snap the hand back to the starting guard position to protect your face.

Form checklist

• Keep your right hand glued to your chin to maintain your guard while the left hand strikes.
• Avoid 'telegraphing' the punch by dropping your hand too low before throwing it.
• Ensure the power comes from the hip rotation and leg drive rather than just the arm.
• Keep your chin tucked and your eyes focused forward on the target throughout the movement.

Pro tips

• Think of the movement as a 'corkscrew' rising from your legs through your core for maximum kinetic energy.
• Tighten your fist and core at the exact moment of impact to maximize the 'pop' and stability of the strike.

Make it harder

• Incorporate a 'slip' to the left immediately before the uppercut to simulate a counter-punching maneuver.
• Perform the uppercut as part of a rapid-fire combination, such as a Jab-Cross-Left Uppercut (1-2-5).

Frequently asked

What muscles does the boxing uppercut work?

The boxing uppercut primarily targets the abs, biceps, deltoids, obliques, pectorals, and quadriceps, and also works the forearms, grip muscles, serratus anterior, and trapezius as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for the boxing uppercut?

The boxing uppercut requires no equipment — just your body weight.

Is the boxing uppercut good for beginners?

The boxing uppercut is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.

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