Can someone explain Joe Louis' right cross.

[BUNGALOWS]

Notice how, when he throws the right cross, he doesn't rotate his wrist at the last second like most trainers would teach you. Instead, he keeps his arm in the same position, and slings it. I tried it that way, and I definitely got more power on my right hand, but can someone explain to me why he threw it that way, and was he the only fighter to throw his right like that?

Is it just a preference thing, or does that technique bring out the full power in your right hand?



Another thing I noticed. Puts less tension on your elbow/shoulder when you're throwing your right hand, and seems like you get more power from your forearms.

Plus, feels like a deeper impact. If that makes sense.

[JmH Reborn]

When I was training in the gym, they use to tell me that by rotating the wrist, lessened the strain and impact on your wrists

Basically, extending the shelf life of your wrists

But I could be wrong

[bravestone]

Robinson threw it the same way a lot of the time...they were fast enough to get away with it.

[BUNGALOWS]

Robinson threw it the same way a lot of the time...they were fast enough to get away with it.

So does that movement naturally slow your punch down? What do you think are the benefits of punching that way? More power, less speed?

[BUNGALOWS]

When I was training in the gym, they use to tell me that by rotating the wrist, lessened the strain and impact on your wrists

Basically, extending the shelf life of your wrists

But I could be wrong

That makes sense.

[boliodogs]

Joe Louis throws a perfect right hand. He throws it strait as an arrow and turns his body into it. It's textbook and he threw it with great speed and accuracy with no telegraph at all. The turning of the wrist is not necessary. Louis was a master of all punches. He threw perfect left or right hooks or uppercuts and a jarring left jab.

[Main Source]

There are no right or wrong ways in professional boxing. That's why a lot of pro's can get a glamorous career in professional boxing but would be shelved in the amateurs.

One of the reasons why your (usually amateur) trainer tells you to turn your wrist is because it automatically turn your deltoids (shoulders) up to protect your face. It also "locks" your entire arm so the punch is straight (and should transition into more power), when the end of your fists make contact to the target. You have to time and master this though. Timing and correct distance is utterly important.

[BrokenHat]

Yea, I don't think one actually turns their wrist as much as they'd think. Telling someone to turn their wrists ensures they have loose wrists.

But, Joe Louis was one of the greatest punchers ever. That right hook is one of the greatest and most deadly shots. Joe Louis used to destroy people with it. He could really leverage his body into his shots.

[Redd Foxx]

When you rotate, it's easier to get your whole body behind the punch due to the ergonomics of it. Each person will vary though.