1. Stance (Muay Thai Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position:
  Start in your Muay Thai stance. For orthodox fighters, the left foot is forward; for southpaw, the right foot is forward. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, with weight distributed on the balls of your feet to stay agile and balanced.
• Knees and Hips:
  Keep your knees slightly bent to stay grounded and ready to generate power. Your hips should remain relaxed, aligned with your center of gravity, and prepared to rotate for the strike.
• Hands/Guard:
  • Your lead hand (left hand for orthodox fighters) stays near your chin for defense and counters.
  • Your rear hand (right hand for orthodox) stays high, protecting the jaw and temple.
  • Tuck your elbows in close to protect your ribs.
  • Keep your head slightly off-center to avoid becoming an easy target.

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2. Chambering the Right Uppercut (Preparation)

• Hand Position:
  The right hand (rear hand) starts at your chin in a relaxed but ready position. Keep your fist loose until just before impact to maximize speed.
• Knees and Core Loading:
  Slightly dip your knees and engage your core to load power for the upward motion. Avoid exaggerated movements that could telegraph the punch.
• Hip and Shoulder Rotation:
  Begin rotating your hips and shoulders slightly toward the lead side (left for orthodox). This wind-up helps generate the rotational force necessary for the uppercut.

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3. Executing the Right Uppercut (The Actual Strike)

1. Step 1 – Drive from the Legs and Rotate the Hips:
   • Push off the ball of your rear foot while driving upward with your legs.
   • Rotate your hips and shoulders forward (to the right for orthodox) to transfer power into the punch.
2. Step 2 – Arm and Elbow Position:
   • Your right arm moves in a tight, upward arc. Keep the movement compact and efficient.
   • The elbow remains close to your body throughout the strike, ensuring maximum power and minimizing openings for counters.
3. Step 3 – Target and Impact:
   • Aim for the opponent’s chin, solar plexus, or liver, depending on the opening.
   • Strike with the first two knuckles of your fist to maximize precision and power.
   • Your wrist should remain straight, and the palm of your fist should face inward or slightly upward at the point of impact.
4. Step 4 – Follow Through and Retract:
   • The uppercut should be explosive and sharp, not a wide swing.
   • After the punch lands (or misses), immediately retract your hand to its guard position to maintain defensive readiness.

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4. Footwork During the Right Uppercut

1. Pivoting:
   • Pivot on the ball of your rear foot during the strike. This pivot helps rotate your hips and shoulders, adding power to the punch.
   • The pivot also keeps your stance stable, preventing overextension.
2. Weight Transfer:
   • As you throw the uppercut, your weight shifts slightly onto your rear leg. Avoid overcommitting, as it could leave you off-balance.
3. Stepping (Optional):
   • If you need to close distance, take a small step forward with your rear foot while maintaining balance and defensive readiness.

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5. Defensive Positioning and Protection

1. Lead Hand Guard:
   • While throwing the right uppercut, keep your lead hand high and close to your face to defend against counters, especially hooks or straight punches.
2. Head Position:
   • Slightly move your head off-center during and after the punch to reduce the risk of being countered.
   • Incorporate subtle head movement or a slip to evade potential strikes.
3. Elbow and Rib Protection:
   • Keep your lead elbow tucked close to your body to protect against body shots.

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6. Follow-Up and Recovery

1. Return to Guard:
   • Once the uppercut is executed, retract your right hand quickly to its guard position near your chin. This ensures you’re ready to block or counter any retaliatory strikes.
2. Set-Up for Combinations:
   • The right uppercut is often part of a combination and can flow into other strikes:
     • A left hook to the body or head.
     • A right cross for added power.
     • A low kick to disrupt your opponent’s base.
3. Reset Your Stance:
   • Return to your balanced stance with weight evenly distributed, prepared for the next move.

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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overextending:
   • Avoid swinging too widely or leaning too far forward, which could compromise your balance and leave you open to counters.
2. Dropping the Lead Hand:
   • Keep your lead hand high to protect against counterattacks, particularly from hooks or overhand strikes.
3. Poor Hip Engagement:
   • Without proper hip rotation, the uppercut loses power. Always engage your hips and core for maximum effectiveness.
4. Telegraphing the Punch:
   • Avoid dipping too low or making exaggerated movements that alert your opponent to the strike.

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8. Advanced Concepts

1. Feinting with the Uppercut:
   • Use subtle head or shoulder movements to feint the right uppercut, baiting your opponent into opening their guard for other strikes.
2. Angle Adjustments:
   • After throwing the right uppercut, pivot slightly or step to the side to create a better angle for follow-up strikes and to evade counters.
3. Uppercut to Clinch Transition:
   • Use the right uppercut to break your opponent’s guard or disrupt their balance, then close the distance to transition into a clinch for knees or elbows.

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By mastering the mechanics of the Right Uppercut, you can deliver a devastating strike that targets key vulnerabilities while maintaining defensive readiness. This punch, when combined with proper footwork and follow-ups, becomes a crucial weapon in your Muay Thai arsenal.