Improving technique isn't about hitting harder, it's about hitting better. These are the points I work on with every student.
1. The base: guard and feet
Everything starts with your feet. A stable stance lets you punch with your whole body and defend without losing balance. Always check that your feet don't cross when you move.
2. The straight punch, done right
The jab is the foundation of boxing. Don't rush to hit hard: first learn to punch accurately, quickly and technically, and always return to your guard.
3. Lightness and speed
A strong punch comes from a relaxed, fast body. Too much tension slows you down and tires you out. Practise throwing punches and bringing them back at the same speed.
4. Calm, organised defence
Blocks, slips and exits need to be practised patiently until they're automatic. Defence is what lets you keep boxing with confidence.
5. Practise with intention
- Shadow box in front of a mirror and watch your guard.
- Work on a few combinations, done well.
- Ask for corrections: you can't fix what you can't see.
A personal coach speeds this up because they see what you can't. See how I work on the coach page.