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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Skills
- BlockingThe skill of using the hands or body to stop or slow an opponent’s attack.
- Returning serveThe skill of reading and playing back an opponent’s serve to stay in the rally.
- TacklingThe skill of legally challenging an opponent to win the ball or stop their progress.
- SpikingThe volleyball skill of jumping and striking the ball forcefully down into the opponent’s court.
- Running formThe skill of running with efficient, relaxed and balanced movement.
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.
- PushPressing a load or the body away from the torso — horizontally or overhead — by extending the shoulders and elbows, developing the chest, shoulders and triceps.
- PivotA rotation of the body about one planted foot, reorienting the trunk and hips around a vertical axis without travelling to a new location.
- 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.
- CatchReceiving a moving object and securing it under control, absorbing its momentum by yielding along its path so kinetic energy is dissipated rather than rebounded away.
Sports science
Exercises
- Pull-upA vertical pulling exercise where you hang from a bar and pull your chin above it.
- Side plankA core hold on one forearm and the side of the foot that targets the muscles along your side.
- Chin-upA pulling exercise similar to a pull-up but with palms facing you, involving the biceps more.
- BurpeeA full-body exercise combining a squat, a plank, and a jump in one flowing movement.
- LungeA single-leg movement where you step forward and bend both knees to lower your body.
Techniques
- PlankA static core exercise that holds the body in a straight line supported on the forearms and toes.
- Running FormThe efficient posture and stride mechanics of distance running, keeping the body relaxed and the cadence smooth.
- Badminton ClearAn overhead stroke that sends the shuttlecock high and deep to the opponent's back court, resetting the rally or buying time.
- Badminton SmashA powerful, steeply downward overhead stroke that drives the shuttlecock sharply into the opponent's court to win the rally.
- 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.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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