A haymaker punch is a wide arching punch with a major swing back load up before being delivered with full force and commitment.
Due to the time it takes to load up and wide swing back motion in the loading of the haymaker, it is quite easily spotted and defended or countered by experienced fighters.
The term haymaker punch is more commonly used in boxing when a boxer is swinging wildly with full commitment, trying to knock out his opponent usually. Though it is also applied to muay thai, kickboxing and MMA fighters when throwing wild punches in competition.
But a haymaker punch is more commonly seen in street fighting by inexperienced fighters who do not pay attention to:
- not telegraphing their punch
- not over committing in their attack
- not maintaining good balance
- not considering being countered
That being said, the haymaker punch is also used by professional experienced fighters in muay thai, kickboxing and MMA, usually under unique circumstances which we will discuss more below.
But first let’s look at where the haymaker punch gets its name from and why is it called a haymaker punch?
What kind of a punch is the haymaker?
In terms of technical execution, the haymaker pinch involves a full swing with a long load up.
But in terms of techical boxing terms, what kind of a punch is a haymaker?
The haymaker is mostly associated with a wide hook with a wide arc and big load up.
It can be a hook in a technical sense in terms of boxing.
This is because it is usually thrown as a round hooking technique coming out and around to strike the target.
But it also can be seen as an overhand punch, coming up and over and down slightly to strike.
Either way (as a hook or overhand) the haymaker still is thrown in an wide arc with a big load up that is thrown with full committment and usually telegraphed to a large degree.
Why Is it called a haymaker punch?
The haymaker punch gets its name from the wide arching nature of the punch and the large swing back required to load the punch.
This type of wide swinging action and large load up is the same action used back in historical times when cutting hay using the scythe or sharp bladed cutting instrument.
The use of the scythe requires a wide swinging action with a large twist in the body backwards and swinging back in the arms in order to load up the cutting action of the scythe.
Having a large and wide swinging motion and swing back ensures a larger area as possible is cut to be efficient with both time and energy while cutting hay.
However, the true origins of the haymaker punch name is not 100% clear.
It has also been suggested that the haymaker punch gets its name not from the person cutting the hay, but from the worker who loaded or pitched the hay cuttings onto a cart and spread the hay cuttings to dry.
This type of motion of pitching hay cuttings up and onto a cart is a similar motion to the haymaker punch also.
And so is the motion involved in spreading out the hay cuttings to dry them.
This also makes sense as the schyting technique is quite low and close to the ground while the pitching up onto a cart action of hay cuttings is more similar in application to a haymaker in a fight.
But it is all debatable, but it is pretty certain that the haymaker punch does in fact gets its name from workers harvesting hay.
Whether it comes from cutting of the hay with a scythe or loading the hay cuttings up onto a cart of spreading them out to dry is debatable.
The Haymaker in Competition
While the haymaker punch is a more common ‘weapon of choice’ for inexperienced people, it can also be used by experienced fighters, even professionals.
Most fighters understand the danger in throwing the haymaker is that it leaves you susceptible to be countered as it is difficult to disguise such a wide arching/loaded punch.
That being said, it is still possibly one of the most powerful punches in any striking combat sport and can result in a KO or stoppage if landed effectively.
When is the Haymaker Used in Competition?
The most common circumstances for the use of the haymaker by fighters in competition in the ring or cage would be
i) when the opponent is hurt and off balance and cannot see incoming punches well nor defened very well or evade attacks.
ii) at the very end of a fight when a fighter is behind on points and need to secure a KO in order to win the fight.
This is known as ‘swinging for the fences’ or going for the ‘hail mary’ win.
iii) possibly at the very beginning of a fight straight after the bell in order to surprise an opponent before they get comfortable and in their rhythm
The most well known proponent of this wild style of punch is probably Deontay Wilder who is know for powerful yet wild haymaker style punches in his fights.
This suits his style of fighting which is goong all out for heavy punches and fully committing, but this also means he is open to being countered.
Defending and Countering the Haymaker Punch
Because the haymaker takes time to load and is so wide and arcing it is easier to see coming in comparison to quicker more direct straight punches like the Jab.
There it can be easier to defend against and counter under normal circumstances.
Here is how to defend and counter the haymaker.
1) Close the distance
Moving in on your opponent and even clinching up to tie up their arms negates wide and round arcing pinches which require distance to build up power.
2) Jamming the haymaker punch
jamming the haymakes at the elbow to shoulder area is a great way to block the haymaker at the point it is weakest. Similar to.closing the distance this doesnt allow the punch to gather power.
The punch can be jammed with your forearms and elbows with bith arms or one arm.
one arm is a weaker block but allows for counterpunching eith the other srm.
3) Duck under
The haymaker mostly targetd thehead area.
So it can be avoided by ducking under the punch.
4) Evasion
Because the haymaker is easier to see, evading the punch is a common defense against it.
This can be done by stepping off at an angle, which also allows for.counters.
Or stepping straight back to create more distance and make the haymaker miss.
How to Use the Haymaker Punch Effectively
Because the haymaker is such a powerful punch it is useful to have a similar type of punch in your arsenal as a fighter or martial artist.
It is best to not using wildly as your main attack strategy but their is definitelt a time and place for it.
After all even a World Champion like Deontay Wilder has shown this style can be very effectice against seasoned pro fighters.
i) Set it up with technical punches
But it is best thrown when your opponent is already wobbled and off balance and cannot defend themselves effectively.
And is best set up after after landing effective, techical and quick Jabs and Straights.
ii) Sacrifice power for balance
In terms of technique it is also best to take sacrfice a bit of power to maintain your balance, especially if you miss you off balance yourself and a good fighter will counter.
iii) Drill the haymaker a lot on the heavy bag
It is best to train the haymaker on the heavy bag to develop power and also to train yoir body to stay as balanced as possible while stilling keeping the power output in the haymaker as high as possible.
iv) Keep your chin down and guard up
To stay as safe as possible also train to throw the haymaker with your chin down and opposite hand guarding your head.
This can be practiced on the heavy bag and shadow boxing then transferred to your pad work, sparring and eventually competition.
