The Problem with Standard Jabs Against a Tight Guard

When facing an opponent with a well-secured guard, conventional jabs fail to penetrate the defensive structure. The screw shot addresses this limitation by rotating through the center gap of the opponent's hands rather than meeting them head-on.

Understanding the Screw Shot Mechanics

The screw shot is a lead-hand technique that involves rotating the arm and hand to thread through an opponent's guard. By narrowing the hand profile through internal rotation, the punch travels through the middle gap and reaches the target with less resistance than a standard jab.

Execution: The Rotational Movement

Rather than extending straight forward like a jab, the screw shot begins in standard jab position but incorporates arm rotation to navigate through the guard. The hand rotates internally as it extends, creating a corkscrew trajectory that penetrates tight defensive coverage and lands cleanly on the face.

Combining the Screw Shot with the Cross

The screw shot generates significant momentum that carries naturally into a rear-hand cross. By stepping forward while executing the screw shot and immediately following with the cross, the boxer synchronizes punch velocity with footwork, exponentially increasing power output.

Advanced Application: The Dip and Rise Variation

Adding a dip before executing the screw shot creates a feint that disguises intent and enhances upward momentum. This variation allows the boxer to generate additional driving force while maintaining the element of surprise against an alert opponent.

Setting Up Body Shots with Head-Level Screw Shots

After landing a high screw shot, the hands naturally rise to maintain guard position. From this elevated hand position, the boxer can immediately transition to a cross followed by a whipping body shot, exploiting the opening created by the upward hand movement.

Rhythm and Speed Integration

Executing the screw-shot-to-cross-to-body combination requires maintaining a consistent rhythmic tempo. Practitioners should practice this three-punch sequence with increasing speed to develop muscle memory and ensure smooth transitions between techniques.

Training Protocol and Progressive Practice

Mastery of the screw shot requires deliberate practice across multiple training modalities: heavy bag work for power development, mitt work for precision and timing, and controlled sparring for application under realistic conditions. Consistent repetition builds the neuromuscular patterns necessary for reliable execution in competitive situations.

Coaches Don't Teach This Punch | SCREW SHOT

Tony Jeffries

Corkscrew Punch

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M29S video

Key Takeaways

•The Problem with Standard Jabs Against a Tight Guard
•Understanding the Screw Shot Mechanics
•Execution: The Rotational Movement
•Combining the Screw Shot with the Cross

Tony Jeffries shares how to throw the perfect screw shot in boxing. This is a difficult punch to throw but you could have success with this punch specially if the opponent / sparring partner keeps blocking your jabs. Screw shot is using your lead hand to screw in the middle of opponent's guard. SAVE 10% off all my favorite supplements https://WWW.ONNIT.COM/BOXING SANABUL GLOVES - Use Code TONY10 to get 10% off https://sanabul.us/3FnfYxf FREE BOXING TUTORIAL VIDEOS: All Body Punches in Boxing, Explained https://youtu.be/31SQTRn4X-U 5 Common Jab Mistakes you MUST Fix to Punch Better https://youtu.be/0RPv0NSxp_0 How to Throw a Punch in a Fight https://youtu.be/QMxN1BSbTJU How to Box 101 | Complete Boxing Tutorial for Beginners: https://youtu.be/D8DouKeOkfI 3 Realistic Boxing Combinations for Real Fights! https://youtu.be/Z5BaiOPLDc0 Grab the Worlds Best Boxing drills package here: https://www.masterboxing.com/be-a-better-boxer Chapters: 0:00 Screw Shot Punch Technique Explained | Boxing 0:51 How to Throw Screw Shot Punch 1:57 As Setup Punch 2:37 Dip for Feint 3:47 How to Land a Body shot My name is Tony Jeffries, Olympic Bronze medallist now co-owner of Box 'N Burn, 2 boxing fitness gyms in Los Angeles, as well as the Box 'N Burn Academy...this i a sour education program where we teach trainers how to teach boxers MY SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_jeffries Subscribe to my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/tonyjeffries1?sub_confirmation=1 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tony_jeffries Business Email: [email protected] #boxing #screwshot

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about corkscrew punch?

This video covers the problem with standard jabs against a tight guard, understanding the screw shot mechanics, execution: the rotational movement. It provides detailed instruction from Tony Jeffries.

How long does it take to learn corkscrew punch?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.