Biomechanical Analysis of the Cross, Hook, and Uppercut in Junior vs. Elite Boxers: Implications for Training and Talent Identification

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.

Accuracy of a markerless motion capture system in estimating upper extremity kinematics during boxing

“…In such sports, high-performance athletes are often characterized by their agility, i.e., the ability to punch or evade swiftly by maintaining fluidity of motion. To achieve a powerful punch during offensive action and quick retraction during defense, coordination of the body segments plays a vital role (Dinu and Louis, 2020 ). As body segments' coordination is often a consequence of how the adjacent segments are oriented to each other (Zajac and Winters, 1990 ; Putnam, 1993 ), estimating segment pose (positions and orientations) during boxing may be helpful to analyze the performance athletes.…”

“…Alternatively, measurements based on wearable sensors such as inertial measurement units have been recently shown effective in natural environment in estimating joint angles of the lower extremity with moderate to strong accuracy (Al Borno et al, 2022 ). Studies also presented the use of inertial measurement units in estimating hand velocity (Kimm and Thiel, 2015 ; Punchihewa et al, 2020 ) and other body segments (Dinu and Louis, 2020 ) during a sport activity. While such studies are useful for understanding differences in skills between athlete groups, placing sensors or markers on the body surface may be inconvenient and potentially distracting to an athlete and practically impossible during a live combat.…”

Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: A Review in the Sports Combat Ambit Highlighting Wearable Sensors

“…During the research, reference values for effective boxing punches can be observed. In [27], the maximum punching force for practitioners ranged from 544 to 1021 N, while their recorded velocity was 6.5 to 9 m/s. However, the fist force for more experienced fighters fluctuated between 3158 and 3242 N, with a speed in the range of 8.1 to 10.2 m/s.…”

“…Table 2. Most relevant articles, devices used, and methodologies used [13,20,21,23,25,27,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37].…”

Using an artificial neural network to develop an optimal model of straight punch in boxing and training in punch techniques based on this model and real-time feedback

“…Researchers are also working in this direction [ 5 ]. 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).…”