How to Throw the Lead Uppercut (5)
Module 2 Lesson 7
Lesson Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beginner
Estimated Reading Time: 11-14 minutes
Recommended Practice Time: 15 minutes
Goal: Learn how to throw a rear uppercut using correct beginner boxing technique, understand when to use Punch Number 6, and develop controlled power through your rear side.
Introduction to How to Throw the Rear Uppercut (6)
You've made it to Punch Number 6 – the rear uppercut.
So far, you've learned the jab (1), cross (2), lead hook (3), rear hook (4) and lead uppercut (5). Each punch has introduced a different way of creating movement, power and opportunity.
Now it's time to complete your basic 1–6 boxing punch system with the rear uppercut.
The rear uppercut is a short, upward punch thrown with your rear hand. For an orthodox boxer, this is your right hand; for a southpaw, it's your left hand. Like the lead uppercut, it is particularly useful at close range, but your rear side gives you another opportunity to generate power through your stance, hips and shoulders.
Learning how to throw a rear uppercut isn't about throwing your fist as high or as hard as possible. A good rear uppercut is compact, controlled and connected to the rest of your body.
In this lesson, you'll learn what the rear uppercut is, why it is useful, when you might use Punch Number 6, how to throw it correctly, what it should feel like and the common mistakes beginners should avoid.
You'll also put the punch into practice with our self-coaching exercises, checklist, challenge and reflection.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have learned all six basic boxing punches and be ready to start thinking about how those punches can work together in combinations.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand how to throw the rear uppercut (Punch Number 6) with control and confidence.
You will learn:
✅ What the rear uppercut is and why it's known as Punch Number 6.
✅ How the rear uppercut differs from the lead uppercut.
✅ Why the rear uppercut can be particularly effective at close range.
✅ How to throw a rear uppercut using correct beginner boxing technique.
✅ How your rear foot, legs, hips and shoulders work together to create power.
✅ When you might use the rear uppercut during boxing combinations.
✅ What a technically correct rear uppercut should feel like.
✅ The most common beginner mistakes to avoid.
✅ How to practise your rear uppercut safely at home.
✅ How Punch Number 6 can eventually be combined with the other punches you've learned.
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What Is a Rear Uppercut?
The rear uppercut, also known as Punch Number 6, is a short, upward punch thrown with your rear hand.
For an orthodox boxer, that's your right hand. For a southpaw, it's your left hand.
Like the lead uppercut, the rear uppercut is particularly useful at close range, where an opponent's guard may create openings for punches travelling upwards.
The difference is that the rear uppercut is thrown from your rear side, allowing you to use the natural rotation and movement of your rear hip and shoulder to help generate power.
It shouldn't feel like you're simply lifting your arm.
Instead, your feet, legs, hips, shoulders and hand work together to create one connected movement.
Key Takeaway
"Don't chase the hardest punch. Find the right punch."
That idea has followed us throughout Module 2.
And it's becoming more important with every new punch you learn.
Because soon, we're going to stop looking at punches individually...
...and start putting them together.
Did you know
The rear uppercut doesn't replace the lead uppercut.
They are two different tools.
Your lead uppercut can offer speed and a shorter movement from the lead side, while the rear uppercut can give you a different angle and more opportunity to involve the rotation of your rear side.
Neither punch is automatically "better".
The goal is to understand when each one makes sense.
Why Is The Rear Uppercut So Important?
The rear uppercut gives you another option for attacking through the middle at close range.
You've already learned that hooks can attack around the side of a guard.
The uppercut gives you another direction:
Up through the middle.
This makes the rear uppercut useful for:
Attacking underneath a high guard.
Working at close range.
Changing the direction of an attack.
Following or setting up other punches.
Adding power to close-range combinations.
Giving your opponent another angle to defend.
But remember...
Having a punch doesn't mean you always need to throw it.
Distance, timing and position still decide whether the punch is appropriate.
Where You'll See This Punch
Watch experienced boxers in close-range exchanges and you'll often see the rear uppercut appear when there's an opening underneath the opponent's guard.
You might see it:
After a lead uppercut.
Following a hook.
Between hooks in a close-range combination.
After moving inside an opponent's reach.
When an opponent's hands are high and an opening appears underneath.
As part of combinations designed to change levels and angles.
The important thing is to understand why the punch is being thrown rather than simply trying to copy it.
A good boxer isn't thinking:
"I've learned Punch Number 6, so I need to throw it."
They're thinking:
"Is Punch Number 6 the right tool for this moment?"
That's the mindset we're trying to build throughout Module 2.
Key Takeaway
Remember our rule:
The right shot, at the right time.
A punch becomes effective because of timing, distance and opportunity, not simply because you've learned how to throw it.
Lead Uppercut vs Rear Uppercut
Lead Uppercut (5) Rear Uppercut (6)
Hand:
Lead hand Rear hand
Direction:
Upwards Upwards
Range:
Close Close
Main difference:
Lead-side movement Rear-side movement
Power source:
Legs, hips & shoulder Legs, hips & rear-side rotation
Key focus:
Compact upward movement Compact upward movement + controlled rear-side rotation
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How to Throw a Rear Uppercut
The rear uppercut should be short, controlled and driven by your body. Don't worry about power at first. Your priority is learning how the movement connects your rear side to your punch while keeping your balance.
We'll use an orthodox stance for the examples below. If you're a southpaw, simply reverse the sides.
Step 1 – Start in Your Boxing Stance
Begin in your normal boxing stance with your feet comfortable, knees slightly bent and both hands protecting your face.
Your rear hand should be close to your chin, ready to throw the uppercut.
Stay relaxed and balanced.
💡 Remember: A powerful punch starts with a good position.
Step 2 – Bend Your Knees Slightly
Allow your knees to bend a little as you begin the movement.
You don't need to drop deeply.
Think of it as creating a small amount of space to drive upwards from.
The movement should be controlled rather than exaggerated.
Step 3 – Drive From the Ground
Begin to straighten your legs slightly as you drive your body upwards.
This is where the movement starts.
Rather than thinking:
"Lift my right hand."
Think:
"Drive my body upwards and let my hand travel with it."
Your legs help create the foundation for the punch.
Step 4 – Rotate Your Rear Hip and Shoulder
As you drive upwards, allow your rear hip and shoulder to rotate naturally towards the target.
This helps transfer your lower-body movement through your torso and into your rear hand.
Don't force the rotation.
It should feel like one smooth movement.
Step 5 – Deliver the Rear Uppercut
Bring your rear hand upwards in a short, compact path towards the target.
Keep your elbow bent and avoid allowing your arm to straighten completely.
Your fist doesn't need to travel a long distance.
The closer you stay to your natural boxing position, the easier it is to stay balanced and recover.
Step 6 – Keep Your Lead Hand Up
As your rear hand punches, your lead hand should remain protecting your chin.
This is especially important because your rear hand is leaving one side of your guard.
Don't let learning a new punch make you forget your defence.
Every punch should still look like boxing.
Step 7 – Return to Guard
As soon as your uppercut reaches its target, bring your rear hand straight back to your guard.
Allow your body to settle back into your normal stance.
You should finish:
🟢 Balanced.
🟢 Protected.
🟢 Ready for the next punch or movement.
Rear Uppercut Technique Checklist
Technique Checklist
Before moving on, check yourself:
☐ Am I starting from a balanced boxing stance?
☐ Did I bend my knees slightly rather than dropping too low?
☐ Did my legs help drive the movement?
☐ Did my rear hip and shoulder rotate naturally?
☐ Did I keep the uppercut short and compact?
☐ Did my lead hand stay protecting my chin?
☐ Did I remain balanced?
☐ Did my rear hand return quickly to guard?
If you can't tick every box yet, that's completely fine.
Slow the movement down and work on the parts you find difficult.
Control first. Speed later.
What It Should Feel Like
The rear uppercut should feel like your whole body is helping to throw the punch, rather than your arm doing all the work.
Imagine you're trying to punch upwards into the space in front of you, but the power starts from your back foot and travels through your legs, hips and upper body before reaching your fist.
As you throw the punch, you should feel a small drive from your rear leg and a rotation of your rear hip. Your body turns naturally as your rear hand travels upwards.
Your arm should stay relaxed. Don't try to muscle the punch upwards with your shoulder or bicep. The power comes from the movement of your body.
Try to Feel This
Think:
“Drive → rotate → lift → return.”
Your rear foot helps start the movement.
Your rear hip rotates forward.
Your body rises and turns slightly as the punch travels upwards.
Your fist follows that movement and then quickly returns to your guard.
The punch should feel short, sharp and explosive, not like you're swinging a big looping punch.
A common mistake is trying to throw the rear uppercut from too far away.
The uppercut is usually most effective at close to mid-range, where you can use your legs, hips and body rotation without reaching.
If you have to stretch your arm a long way to land the punch, you're probably too far away.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Learning the rear uppercut is about getting the movement right before trying to add power. Here are some of the most common mistakes beginners make:
❌ Swinging the Punch
The uppercut should be a short, compact punch. Avoid swinging your arm in a big loop.
Instead: Keep the movement tight and let your legs and hips help create the power.
❌ Dropping the Other Hand
When throwing the rear uppercut, it's easy to let your lead hand drop.
Instead: Keep your lead hand protecting your face while the rear hand punches.
❌ Using Only Your Arm
If your arm is doing all the work, the punch can feel weak and forced.
Instead: Think about driving from the rear foot and rotating your hip before allowing the fist to travel upwards.
❌ Standing Too Tall
Some beginners straighten their body completely when throwing the uppercut.
Instead: Stay balanced and keep your boxing stance. The movement should come from your legs and hips rather than a big upward jump.
❌ Reaching for the Target
The rear uppercut isn't designed to be thrown from a long distance.
Instead: Get into the correct range and keep the punch short and controlled.
❌ Forgetting to Return to Guard
Don't admire the punch after throwing it!
Instead: Snap your rear hand back to your guard as soon as the punch has finished.
Don't confuse rotation with spinning.
The rear uppercut uses your rear side to generate power, but you don't need to throw your whole body around.
If you find yourself spinning too far or losing your stance, you've probably added too much movement.
Keep the rotation small, controlled and connected to the punch.
A Quick Reminder
The rear uppercut doesn't replace the lead uppercut.
They are two different tools.
Your lead uppercut can offer speed and a shorter movement from the lead side, while the rear uppercut can give you a different angle and more opportunity to involve the rotation of your rear side.
Neither punch is automatically "better".
The goal is to understand when each one makes sense.
When to Throw the Rear Uppercut
The rear uppercut is most effective when you're close enough to use it without reaching. It's a great punch to add into combinations and can be especially useful when an opponent's guard is high.
As a beginner, don't worry about trying to find the rear uppercut all the time. Instead, learn to recognise a few simple opportunities.
1. After Your Jab
Your jab can help bring an opponent's attention to the front of their guard.
Try:
Jab → Rear Uppercut
The jab gets the combination started, while the rear uppercut follows behind it.
2. After Your Cross
Once you're comfortable with your basic 1–2, you can add the rear uppercut.
Try:
Jab → Cross → Rear Uppercut
This teaches you how to flow from straight punches into a shorter, closer-range punch.
3. After Slipping a Punch
The rear uppercut can be useful after moving your head away from an incoming punch.
For example:
Slip → Rear Uppercut
As you return to your boxing position, the uppercut can come underneath the opponent's guard.
4. At Close Range
The rear uppercut is naturally suited to closer distances.
If you're close enough that a straight rear hand would require you to reach, an uppercut may be a better option.
Stay balanced and keep the punch short.
5. Against a High Guard
When someone protects their head with a high guard, there can sometimes be space underneath their hands.
This is one of the areas where an uppercut can be useful.
Remember, though: don't force the punch.
Look for the opening rather than throwing the uppercut simply because you have learned it.
6. As Part of a Combination
The rear uppercut becomes even more useful when you start combining it with your other punches.
For example:
1 → 2 → 6
1 → 6 → 3
1 → 2 → 6 → 3
You don't need to learn lots of combinations yet. The goal is simply to understand that the rear uppercut doesn't have to be thrown on its own.
Beginners Tip: Your Challenge Today
Don't chase power — chase good technique.
Your rear uppercut doesn't need to be thrown as hard as possible when you're learning it.
Start slowly and focus on staying balanced, keeping your guard up, rotating your body and returning your hand to your guard.
Once the movement becomes natural, you can gradually increase the speed and power.
Good technique comes first. Power comes later.
Today's Challenge:
It's time to put your rear uppercut into practice!
Challenge: 1–2–6
Start in your boxing stance and complete:
Jab → Cross → Rear Uppercut
Do 10 controlled repetitions.
After each combination:
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Return both hands to your guard.
-
Reset your stance.
-
Take a breath.
-
Repeat.
Bonus Challenge
Once you've completed your 10 repetitions, try 30 seconds of shadow boxing.
Move around your space and practise finding opportunities to throw your rear uppercut naturally.
Don't worry about throwing lots of punches.
Focus on making every rear uppercut clean, balanced and controlled.
Reflection:
Take a moment to think about your rear uppercut.
Ask yourself:
-
Did I feel the movement start from my legs and hips?
-
-
Did I keep my other hand protecting my face?
-
-
Did I keep the punch short and controlled?
-
-
Did I stay balanced when I threw it?
-
-
Did my rear hand return to my guard?
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If any of these felt difficult, don't worry.
That's exactly what practice is for.
Choose one thing to improve next time and focus on that one point rather than trying to change everything at once.
What You've Learned
By completing this lesson, you should now understand:
What the rear uppercut is and when it can be useful
.
How to throw the rear uppercut using your legs, hips and upper body.
What the punch should feel like when it's thrown correctly.
The most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them.
When to use the rear uppercut, including in combinations and at close range.
How to practise the rear uppercut safely and under control.
How to return to your guard after every punch.
Your Next Step
Don't worry about making your rear uppercut perfect straight away.
The goal is to build good habits through repetition.
Keep practising the movement slowly, stay balanced and focus on technique before power.
You've now added another important weapon to your boxing toolkit.
Achievement Unlocked:
Completed Lesson 7
Congratulations!
The rear uppercut is a short, powerful punch that works best at close to mid-range.
You've learned that the power shouldn't come from your arm alone. Instead, your rear foot, legs, hips and upper body work together to create the movement.
You've also learned how to keep the punch compact, protect yourself with your opposite hand and return quickly to your guard.
Most importantly, you've learned that good boxing isn't just about knowing how to throw a punch — it's about knowing when and why to use it.
Keep practising your rear uppercut slowly and under control. As your technique becomes more natural, your speed, confidence and power will develop with it.
Remember
Stay balanced. Keep it short. Use your body. Protect your guard.
And don't forget:
Technique first. Power later.
You've now learned the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 punches — you're building the foundations of your boxing one punch at a time.