Abstract
Punching in boxing requires a combination of force and velocity of the acting arm, originating from an optimal synchronization of the different body segments. However, it is not well-understood what kinematic parameters of the punching execution influence boxing performance the most. This study aimed to investigate the differences in punching execution between 15 potential Olympic medalist boxers (Elite group) and 8 younger well trained boxers (Junior group). Each athlete was equipped with an instrumented suit composed of 17 inertial measurement units (IMU) and were asked to perform several series of 3 standardized punch types (cross, hook, and uppercut) with maximal force. Linear velocity, stability, and punch forces were computed from the different sensors. Our findings show that Elite boxers systematically produced more force and at a higher velocity for the three punch types compared to Juniors. Further analysis revealed differences in joint contributions between Elite and Juniors, Juniors presenting a higher contribution of the shoulder for the three punch types. Finally ground reaction force imbalance between the front and rear foot was revealed in the cross only, in all boxers (60.6 ± 24.9 vs. 39.4 ± 24.9% and 54.1 ± 7.1 vs. 45.9 ± 7.1%, p ≤ 0.05, for the front vs. rear foot in Elite and Juniors, respectively) but not different between groups. These results have important implications for practitioners involved in the talent identification process, longitudinal follow-up, and training of boxers.
Highlights
Boxing is a physically demanding combat sport
We examined the biomechanical patterns and resulting punching forces and velocities produced by Elite vs. junior boxers (Junior) boxers for three punch types
When we presented punching data according to body mass, punching force was still higher in Elite compared to Junior boxers
Summary
Boxing is a physically demanding combat sport. Boxers rely on a combination of strength, coordination, velocity, and stamina to succeed in impacting the opponent while evading adversary punches (Whiting et al, 1988; Mack et al, 2010). A successful performance requires the ability to deliver precise punches above the belt, to the head or the torso without being punched back. In amateur boxing, such seen during the Olympic Games, boxers aim to score by striking the opponents during rounds of 3 min. As varying degrees of force and velocity are required in boxing, athletes, throw punches with their rear or front hand (Kimm and Thiel, 2015). The rear hand (the furthest from the target) usually provides more punching force while maximal velocity can be achieved with the front hand (the closest to the target) (Dyson et al, 2008).
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