TKDTutor: Techniques>Punches>Uppercut punch

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Uppercut punch

Intro

The uppercut is like the upset punch except the target is under the chin. It’s a devastating power punch that may be thrown with either hand.

The punch has little effect against a vertical target. For maximum effect, the target must be horizontal.
As you are moving about with your knees bent, the trailing hand begins to drop from its guard position; the lower starting position of the hand, the more powerful the punch.
The trailing elbow is kept pointing backward, don’t let it swing outward.
Using a powerful thrust from the legs, fire the trailing fist under the opponent’s guard to the opponent’s chin. The punch may be used with or with or without fist rotation.
As you punch, the fist moves upward as the arm rotates at the shoulder with the elbow remaining bent and brushing along the side of your body. Keep the elbow under the fist with the wrist locked straight. Arm motion must be coordinated with the hips and legs to generate maximum power at impact.
Punch as though you were trying to lift the opponent in the air by the impact of your punch,
The uppercut has a near vertical punching motion. The more the punch angles forward, the greater the risk of injury to the wrist, so do not reach toward the opponent with an uppercut.

The uppercut is very useful when in close range and may be used alone or to set up a combination or a knockout punch.
The uppercut is delivered to a target that is tilted forward, such as an opponent leaning forward after a body shot. An opponent who is standing upright may provide a target if the chin is protruding. A taller opponent who is in close may also provide a
The uppercut is often used when the opponent is looking at the ground, covering up to defend from hooks, or has an opening up the middle.
The trailing hand uppercut and leading hand hook combination is effective because the uppercut lifts the opponent's head, upsets his or her balance, and lifts the chin for the hook.
The uppercut may also be used as a counter punch. For example, when the opponent throws a straight punch, you can slip to the outside and throw an uppercut.

You can catch the fist as it rises or you can lower a forearm to the inside to block the punch.
You can cover by hiding behind the hands and forearms.
You can step back or to the outside to take away the range necessary for an effective uppercut.
You can tie up the opponent or clinch to avoid an uppercut.