Assessment and Contributors of Punching Forces in Combat Sports Athletes: Implications for Strength and Conditioning

Punching is a key component of striking-based combat sports. It has been established in boxing that the ability to apply force via punching to an opponent is paramount to victory. As such, it behooves strength and conditioning professionals to improve the punching force of combat sports athletes in general. This review explores current research into the assessment of punching forces and contributors of punching forces, specifically ground reaction forces. Such information is vital for enhancing the scientific understanding of punching and thus the development of optimum strength and conditioning strategies.