Overhand Right

Hello!

After reading your question, I concentrated on the right hook while I was shadow-boxing this morning, and this is what I came up with:
(I'm assuming you stand orthodox).
To generate real power in your right-hook you really need to throw your weight (consequently leaving a large opening for an opponent to counter).
1.) Sit down on the punch. Bend at the knees, and place your weight primarily on your right foot.
2.) Push from the sole of your right foot, twist your hips and shoulders to the left, and bring that right hand across. This is where the power will come from. Assuming that you're standing in a typical boxer's stance, you will be standing with your left side facing forward. When you finish this punch, that twist to the left should leave your upper-body practically square forward. The reason i say "your upper-body" is because a key to getting that power is keeping your feet firmly planted, while the rest of you swings into the punch.
3.) Recover. Almost as important as getting the power into the punch, is being able to twist back into your stance and be ready to slip/block the inevitable counter (unless of course, you can lay him out with that right!!).

The overhand right: Think of a looping right-hand, as opposed to a straight right hand. Imagine the motion of a pitcher throwing a fast ball, and essentially, there you have an overhand right. Just like the right-hook, I feel you generate more power if you square up a little when throwing it. It's another punch that, if thrown correctly, packs a hell of a wallop, but leaves you slightly off-balance and vulnerable (especially if you miss). Consequently, both are really important to practice in shadow-boxing, where there is no target, and really have to recover without the aid of impact/resistance.

Tip for developing the right-hook or overhand right: Learn to throw it in combination, off a jab or left hook. Both of those punches should push your left arm/shoulder forward, while pulling your right arm/shoulder back. The further back your right arm is, the more power you will be able to generate in the swing.

Good-luck!! Not too sure if that was helpful or not. Hope it was! Made sense to me. But that's not sayin much.

Glad it was helpful!

You might twist on the sole of your right foot, but they should remain planted to the ground. I believe the tendancy is to lift the right foot after you push off (because of the forward/upward momentum), however that will take you out of your stance and even more off-balance.

And for the overhand: I think it depends on either anatomy (of the shoulder I believe) or form. When I throw the overhand right (or left for me(southpaw)) it doesn't come straight down, it's more on an angle. But I've seen guys who throw it straight down. Either way (straight down or slightly angled) is effective. Straight down can bust up someone's nose, and slightly angled will usually connect to the temple or ear. It helps a bit to bend forward and to the left at the waist when you throw it, then it usually goes straighter. And the fist should be palm down when you connect.  

 Hope that helps! Welcome to the board!!

Cheers mate, I've got my head 'round the punches now. Just need to teach my body...

That is the hard part, isn't it!

When you get the hang of that, try throwing the right-hook to the body. It's even harder!!

nice I really liked the discussion.... I've been practicing the overhand on my double end bag... I still kinda feel awkward shadow boxing... I started with the heavy bag from the begining...