With every punch, you have to exhale, preferably from the nose , to release body tension allowing you be stronger and more relaxed . The forced exhalation can also make you take your opponent’s easier. Exhaling through the nose instead of the mouth allows you to keep your mouth shut and clamped on your mouthpiece. Breathing through the mouth raises the potential of a broken jaw.
With each punch you must return immediately to your guard with the same speed. lazy returns make it easier for your opponent to counter punch. Your punch should retreat along the same path.
Always keep your guard up and SNAP your punches.