I recently spent some time with a dear friend with mine and learnt a vital skill - how to throw a punch. Having never done this before, I can describe this only as an interesting learning curve. As I left my friend's house, I sported bruised, cracked and bleeding knuckles from assaulting the punching bag in the backyard, as well as sparring with my friend.

So, I figured I'd share with the world how to throw a punch - something you'll need to know but hopefully will rarely use. I hope those of you who are experienced in this topic will feel free to laugh - I know I am.

After having learnt only the basics from my friend, I can really only offer a few tips that will help any beginner learn how to throw a half-decent punch:

1. Learn which knuckles to punch with!

I have had quite a few people try to punch me, mostly just playfully, and have noticed that most of them made the same mistake as I used to - trying to punch with their whole fist. By doing this, your knuckles will hit your opponent, whether it be a person or an object, evenly. However, the pressure will be mainly distributed over the two knuckles on the outside: the weakest ones. As I have learnt the hard way, this hurts! When punching, try to do so with your first two knuckles, which stick out more. The rest of your fist will naturally follow through.

2. Keep your thumb out of the picture.

Make sure you tuck your thumbs away over your knuckles and don't have them sticking straight out in the direction that your knuckles are pointing. Otherwise your thumb will hit your opponent and, of course, this hurts too.

3. Don't stick your knuckles out.

Your knuckles should be in no  way deliberately protruding. Some peple, like my friend, have knuckles that naturally stick further out than the rest, and are of course enviable. And although I've never stuck my knuckles out in order to know that it hurts, I daresay it would. Doing this will put more pressure on whichever knuckle(s) you stick out and you may very well end up doing damage to your finger.

4. Relax your elbow.

When you punch, the force is mainly generated in your shoulder and arm. And while your fist takes most of the pressure, your arm is also a victim. It is important to always remember to relax your elbow and arm, especially when you retract your arm from the punch. In this way, you will avoid getting a very sore arm after a few punches.

 So now you know how to throw perhaps a half-decent and painful punch and how to avoid causing yourself damage while doing so. Please leave me your feedback, and if you have any tips to add in a comment, they are appreciated!