Uppercut
A punch thrown upward from below along a vertical path, typically aimed at an opponent's chin or body.
Definition
The uppercut is a vertical punch driven upward from a bent position, usually delivered at close range to the chin or the body. Power comes from a slight dip and a drive of the legs and hips, transferring force up through the arm as the fist rises.
Because it travels along an unusual line — up through the middle rather than straight or hooking around — the uppercut can slip past a high guard and is often used on the inside or to counter an opponent leaning forward. It is one of boxing's core punches, taught alongside the jab, cross and hook.
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Exercises
Techniques
- Chest PassA two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Disciplines
- Lead & Sport ClimbingA roped format where the climber ascends from the ground, clipping the rope into protection along the way while a belayer manages it below.
- Freestyle WrestlingAn Olympic wrestling style where wrestlers may attack the legs and use holds below the waist to take down and pin their opponent.
- Greco-Roman WrestlingAn Olympic wrestling style that forbids holds below the waist, so wrestlers rely on upper-body throws, clinches, and lifts to score and pin.
Skills
Movement patterns
- SlideA slide is a controlled, low-friction skid of the body or foot along a surface, used to brake, extend reach, or hold a line, where managed friction and a lowered centre of gravity govern the movement.
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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