1. Stance (Boxing Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position: Start in your boxing stance with your lead foot forward (left foot for orthodox, right foot for southpaw). Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart, and you should be balanced on the balls of your feet to be mobile and stable.
• Knees and Hips: Keep your knees slightly bent, allowing for flexibility and the ability to generate power from your legs. Your hips should stay relaxed to rotate when throwing the uppercut.
• Hands/Guard: Your lead hand should be near your chin, protecting your face, while your rear hand (the one you will use to throw the uppercut) should be near your face, guarding your chin and jaw. Your elbows should be tucked in to protect your ribs, and your head should be slightly off-center to make you a harder target.

2. Chambering the Uppercut (Preparation)

• Rear Hand Position: Before throwing the uppercut, your rear hand should be held near your chin, with the elbow bent at about a 90-degree angle. The fist should be clenched, ready to drive upward into the target.
• Rotation of the Hips and Shoulders: The power of the uppercut comes not only from the arm but primarily from the rotation of your hips and shoulders. Begin by engaging your core and lower body, ensuring that you’re able to generate maximum force through the punch.

3. The Uppercut (The Actual Strike)

• Step 1 – Drop and Rotate: Start the punch by slightly dropping your rear hand down, just below your chin, while rotating your body. Your hips and shoulders should rotate to initiate the punch, generating power from the lower body.
• Step 2 – Drive the Punch Upward: Once you’ve rotated your body, explode upward with your legs and core. As you do so, bring your rear fist upward in a vertical arc toward the target (typically the opponent’s chin or body). The punch should travel upward with power, using your body rotation and leg drive to propel it.
• Step 3 – Fist Position: When the uppercut lands, your fist should be in a vertical position, with the palm facing your body and the thumb on top. The first two knuckles should make contact with the target. Keep your fist solid and tightly clenched for maximum impact.
• Step 4 – Elbow Position: Keep your elbow close to your body as you throw the uppercut. The elbow should remain bent and in line with your fist, ensuring the punch is tight and powerful. Avoid flaring your elbow too far out, as this can leave you open to counters and reduce the punch’s effectiveness.

4. Footwork During the Uppercut

• Pivoting: To generate power, pivot on the ball of your rear foot as you throw the uppercut. This will help you rotate your hips and shoulders, transferring energy into the punch.
• Weight Transfer: The uppercut is a punch that uses explosive movement. As you throw the punch, shift your weight slightly from your lead foot to your rear foot, especially during the pivot. This ensures maximum power as your legs, hips, and torso work together.
• Step or Slide: In some cases, you may step or slide your lead foot slightly forward or to the side while throwing the uppercut, closing the distance and helping you maintain balance. However, be careful not to overcommit, as you need to be ready to defend or counter if needed.

5. Defensive Positioning and Protection

• Rear Hand Guard: As you throw the uppercut, always keep your rear hand up near your face to protect yourself from potential counters. Never drop your guard when punching. Keep your hand high to defend against hooks or jabs from your opponent.
• Head Movement: After throwing the uppercut, avoid remaining stationary. You can use subtle head movement to slip or duck to one side, making it harder for your opponent to land a counter. You may also use slight lateral movement to reposition yourself defensively.
• Elbow Position: Keep your elbow tucked in close to your body when throwing the uppercut. A flaring elbow can open you up to hooks or other counters. Tucking the elbow helps ensure that the punch remains powerful and compact, while also protecting you.

6. Follow-up and Recovery

• Immediate Return to Guard: After throwing the uppercut, quickly retract your rear hand back to your face, returning to your guard position. This will protect you from counterattacks and ensure that you remain in a defensive stance.
• Set-up for Combinations: The uppercut is often used in combinations. After the uppercut, you may follow up with a hook, jab, or cross. Use the uppercut to open up your opponent’s defense and create opportunities for additional strikes.
• Reset Your Position: After throwing the uppercut, ensure you are back in a balanced stance, ready to defend or follow up with another punch. Make sure to reset quickly so you are prepared for whatever comes next.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overextending: Avoid reaching too far with the uppercut, as this can leave you off-balance and vulnerable to counterattacks. The punch should be compact and controlled, driving upward with precision rather than being a wild swing.
• Dropping the Guard: One of the most common mistakes when throwing an uppercut is dropping your rear hand after the punch. Always return the rear hand to your face immediately after throwing the punch to guard against hooks, jabs, or uppercuts from your opponent.
• Not Using the Hips: The power of the uppercut comes primarily from the hip and shoulder rotation, not just the arm. Relying too much on arm strength will reduce the punch’s effectiveness and make it easier to counter. Always engage your lower body to maximize power.
• Static Movement: After throwing the uppercut, avoid standing still or being predictable. You should either follow up with a combination or use lateral movement to make yourself less of a target.

8. Advanced Concepts

• Uppercut to the Body: The uppercut is not only effective for attacking the head but can also be thrown to the body, especially targeting the solar plexus or the liver. Body uppercuts are powerful strikes that can disable an opponent, making them an excellent tool in close-range exchanges.
• Feinting with the Uppercut: At an advanced level, you can use the uppercut as a feint to bait your opponent into reacting. By pretending to throw an uppercut, you can cause them to move or guard incorrectly, opening the door for other strikes, like a cross or hook.
• Uppercut with a Slip: Combining the uppercut with a slip (moving your head to avoid a punch) is a great technique. By slipping to the side while throwing the uppercut, you can avoid incoming punches and land a powerful strike.

Summary:

The uppercut is a highly effective punch that relies on rotation from the hips, shoulders, and core. It is typically used at close range to attack the head or body, often in combination with other punches. The uppercut generates its power through explosive movement from the legs and torso, not just the arm. Proper technique, body rotation, and balance are key to landing an effective uppercut. By following the correct form and positioning, you can make the uppercut a dangerous weapon in your boxing arsenal.