Overhand punch

{{Short description|Punch in boxing}} {{More citations needed|date=November 2023}} {{Infobox martial art | image = drop1color.jpg | imagecaption = Right overhand in medium range | imagesize = 100px | name = Overhand (overcut) | aka = {{flagicon| France}} France: Coup de poing descendant

{{flagicon| China}} China: 超手摆拳

{{flagicon|Thailand}} Thailand: Mat kro (หมัดฮุก)

{{flagicon| Serbia}} Serbian: прекоручни | focus = Striking }}

An '''overhand''' (or ''overcut'' or ''drop'') punch is a semi-circular and vertical punch thrown with the lead or rear hand.<ref name="basic">{{Cite web |title=Basic Boxing Punches 1-8|url=https://dynamicstriking.com/blogs/news/basic-boxing-punches-1-8|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref><ref name="muay">{{Cite web |title=Muay Thai Punches|url=https://rajadamnern.com/blog/muay-thai-punches/|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref> It is designed to go over the opponent's lead hand or jab to hit their head.<ref name="right"/> The overhand is a versatile counter-punch used to surprise an opponent, land a knockout blow, or as part of a setup for other combinations. It's executed by driving off the back leg, dropping the body and head to the side, and using a looping motion to arc the arm downwards onto the target.<ref name="overhand"/> The strategic utility of the drop relying on body weight can deliver a great deal of power.<ref name="basic"/><ref name="muay"/> It can also be employed when the opponent is bobbing or slipping.

<gallery> Image:drop7.jpg|''Left overhand in long range'' Image:drop0.jpg|''Right overhand in long range'' Image:drop5.jpg|''Left overhand in long range and counterpunch'' </gallery>

==Mechanics==

The rear overhand punch is a powerful, looping strike designed to go "over" an opponent's guard.<ref name="overhand">{{Cite web |title=How to Set up and Land an Overhand Right in Boxing |url=https://evolve-mma.com/blog/how-to-set-up-and-land-an-overhand-right-in-boxing/|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref> The mechanics are similar to throwing a baseball.<ref name="overhand"/> It involves a coordinated step, weight transfer, and footwork for balance.<ref name="overhand"/> Your front foot steps forward and slightly to the left (for an orthodox stance), mirroring the arc of the punch.<ref name="overhand"/> As you step, shift your weight onto your front leg to put your full body weight behind the punch.<ref name="overhand"/> The stepping motion naturally creates the arcing path of the punch, helping it circle around your opponent's guard.<ref name="overhand"/>

If the fighter is in a bladed stance the back foot stays in place, maintaining a wide base.<ref name="overhand"/> This allows the fighter to fall back easily after throwing.<ref name="overhand"/> This leaves the fighter open to counters so they must roll out to the right after landing to avoid a counter-punch.<ref name="overhand"/> From a squared stance the back foot is brought forward to follow the step as this generates more twisting power and keeps your feet squared under your body.<ref name="overhand"/> It also provides better balance and makes it harder to knock you off-balance if countered.<ref name="overhand"/>

==Setups and Counters==

An overhand should be set up to be effective. Common setups include: Using a jab to preoccupy the opponent before looping the overhand over their guard.<ref name="overhand"/> Feinting the overhand to gauge reactions before throwing it for real.<ref name="overhand"/> Rolling under an opponent's hook and coming up with the overhand.<ref name="overhand"/> Using a hand trap in a closed stance by grabbing the opponent's lead hand and pulling it down while throwing the rear overhand punch.<ref name="overhand"/> Throwing a jab to the body, or feinting a jab to the body, then throwing the overhand. In Mixed martial arts, faking a level change as if going for a takedown and then throwing the overhand.<ref name="overhand"/>

The overhand can also be used as a counterpunch in response to your opponent's actions. It can be used to punish a weak or predictable jab by throwing the overhand over the jab.<ref name="right">{{Cite web |title=The Boxing Overhand Right|url=https://www.myboxingcoach.com/the-boxing-overhand-right-just-a-great-shot/|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref> It can also be used when an opponent lowers their lead hand.

==Defense and Counters==

Defense relies on distance, angles, positioning and anticipation.<ref name="defend">{{Cite web |title=How to Defend and Counter the Overhand Right in Boxing|url=https://evolve-university.com/blog/how-to-defend-and-counter-the-overhand-right-in-boxing/|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref> A fighter should maintain a good stance, use their lead hand for protection, study their opponent's habits to anticipate the punch, and always look to counter after defending, as the attacker is most vulnerable immediately after throwing it.<ref name="defend"/>

Some options for an orthodox closed stance against rear overhand include:

* '''Dodge and Counter''' — Lean or step back just enough for the punch to miss. This exposes the attacker's right side, allowing for counters like a jab-cross or hook-cross combination.<ref name="deal">{{Cite web |title=How to Deal With the Big Looping Right Overhand Punch|url=https://engageind.com/blogs/articles/how-to-deal-with-the-big-looping-right-overhand-punch|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref>

* '''Wedge block''' — almost straighten your lead arm and angle it out to intercept the circular punch. You can then wrap the arm to tie up the opponent.<ref name="deal"/>

* '''Helmet cover''' — Raise your lead glove high to block the shot next to your ear (like answering a phone), keeping your chin tucked. Be aware that covering can still cause impact damage.<ref name="defend"/><ref name="over"/>

* '''Slip or Duck and Counter''' — Time the punch, bend your knees, and slip your head to the outside (left for an orthodox right), creating an opening for a left hook to the body.<ref name="defend"/><ref name="over"/>

* '''Duck and Hook''' — Duck under the punch and move inside on your opponent, then counter with a left hook to the head or body.<ref name="defend"/>

* '''Shoulder roll and Cross''' — Shoulder roll and fade back then counter with the cross.<ref name="over">{{cite web|title=Defending Overhand|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjeCi6IqWB0|website=YouTube|access-date=20 August 2025}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

* '''Roundhouse Kick''' — Time a left roundhouse kick to the exposed right side of the body as the punch is thrown.<ref name="deal"/>

* '''Takedown''' — As the opponent drives forward with the committed punch, change levels to avoid it and shoot for a takedown against their compromised balance.<ref name="deal"/>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{in lang|en}} [http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Main_Page BoxRec Boxing Encyclopaedia] *{{in lang|fr}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20090122103303/http://www.wka-france.fr/ Antenne WKA-France] – Lexique des boxes pieds-poings (Rubrique "Formations", onglet "Ceinture noire") *{{in lang|fr}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20081219092244/http://www.netboxe.com/rep1/lexique.php Lexique de Netboxe.com] *{{in lang|fr}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20090122084337/http://netboxe.com/rep1/pratique.php Fiches pratiques de Netboxe.com]

===Movies=== *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK8hKPKoc-o Overhand Right in Boxing] *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt0-6lN8PNo Overhand high shoot]

Category:Boxing terminology Category:Kickboxing terminology Category:Punches (combat)