Not necessarily....

[Jonny Chee]

A straight punch down the centre line will get to its intended target faster than a hook, even if the hook is faster. This is because the distance travelled by the fist is much less. Example, if two people had a race, one person ran in a straight line, the other took a wide roundabout route. Even if the latter person is faster, who do you think would win the race. Pretty obvious methinks.

[Jonny Chee]

This was meant as a reply to 'Bruce's approx. punching speed'. Somehow I clicked 'new thread' instead of 'post reply'!! How utterly stupid of me. DOH!

:confused:

:D

[Wong Fei Hung]

I agree with you Jonny , I normally don't do hooks my hooks anyway.

Jonny what typ eof Martial Arts do you take?

Just wondering

[pgm316]

The fastest punch isn't always the one that reaches its target first, or the most powerfull punch that does the most damage. Unlike a race, there isn't a starting time!

To be good at punching you shouldn't concetrate purely on attaching down the centre line, its good to have a variety of punches to attack in different ways! :)

[Dragon Man]

And be prepared for a variety of punches comin' your way!!!:D

[Ingar]

To be good at punching you shouldn't concetrate purely on attaching down the centre line, its good to have a variety of punches to attack in different ways! :) [/B]

Exactly, and also depending on different circumstances. If the opponent has his centerline covered, hooks will be your key to success. Never exclude a technique that is the only one which reaches the desired angle.

[YODA]

It's not how fast it travels that matters - but how soon it gets there.

Many of my hooks are straight punches.

[Patrick Bateman]

the thing to bear in mind is the true hook and the "martial art hook" in reality the true hook doesnt travel any further than the straight punch, and the different mechanics involved in the punch can influence how fast it is thrown, there are many different types of hook, and some are undenialably faster than a straight punch, as they travel a shorter distance in relation.

[teacher]

Also you cannot overlook reaction time. If you think you can start a punch after your opponent's punch and land it before his lands I think you are mistaken. You can learn to read an immenent attack and you can move or you can cover and reply but please dont get too caught up in having a "faster punch" it is too over simplified.