Once you've learned your stance and jab, boxing starts to get more interesting. Punches get linked together into combinations, and many coaches call them out using numbers. The first time you hear "1, 2, slip, 2" in quick succession, it can be hard to follow. After a few sessions, it becomes second nature.
This guide covers the six basic punches, the number system most commonly used for them and some beginner combinations you're likely to meet. It also explains how to keep your technique tidy as combinations get longer.
A quick note before we start. Different gyms and coaches sometimes number punches slightly differently. The system below is the most common one, but always follow your trainer's calls in class.
The six basic punches
All of the descriptions below assume orthodox stance with your left foot and hand forward. Southpaw boxers can simply swap sides.
1: Jab
A straight punch with your lead (front) hand. It's fast and travels the shortest distance, so it's used to set up most combinations. Extend straight from your cheek and turn your palm down as the arm extends. Then bring the hand straight back.
2: Cross
A straight punch with your rear (back) hand. It's one of the more powerful punches because your whole body turns into it. Pivot on the ball of your back foot as your hips and shoulders rotate towards the target. Your rear hand extends straight forward at the end of that turn. Your lead hand comes back to guard your chin.
3: Lead hook
A short, curved punch with your lead hand, usually aimed at the side of the target. Keep your elbow bent at roughly a right angle, and turn your lead hip and foot as you rotate through the punch. Power comes from the rotation of your body, so there's no need to swing the arm wide.
4: Rear hook
The same shape as the lead hook, thrown with your rear hand. Pivot on your back foot and rotate your hips the other way. It can feel less natural at first, so expect it to take a little longer to get comfortable.
5: Lead uppercut
An upward punch with your lead hand. Dip your lead shoulder slightly with your knees bent a touch. Then drive up through your legs and hips as your fist travels upward, palm facing you. Keep the punch compact rather than dropping your hand low to wind up.
6: Rear uppercut
An upward punch with your rear hand. Drop your rear shoulder slightly and drive up, rotating your hips forward. As with every punch, your other hand stays up guarding your face.
Beginner combinations to know
These combinations are commonly taught to beginners. Start slowly and focus on technique before speed.
- 1, 2 (jab, cross). The most basic combination in boxing. Jab, return, then cross, with your hips rotating on the cross.
- 1, 1, 2 (double jab, cross). Two quick jabs, then the cross. The second jab is often thrown with a small step forward.
- 1, 2, 3 (jab, cross, lead hook). After the cross, your weight shifts onto your lead side, which sets up the lead hook nicely.
- 1, 2, 3, 2 (jab, cross, lead hook, cross). Builds on the previous one by finishing with another cross.
- 2, 3, 2 (cross, lead hook, cross). Starts with the rear hand, so you have to rotate quickly between punches.
- 1, 6, 3, 2 (jab, rear uppercut, lead hook, cross). A longer combination that mixes straight punches with upward and curved ones.
Your trainer might also add movement calls between punches. A slip is a small movement of the head to the side, and a roll means bending the knees to move under an imaginary punch. Follow their lead on these, as they'll demonstrate exactly what they want.
How to throw cleaner combinations
Let one punch set up the next
Good combinations flow because each punch puts your body in position for the next one. A cross shifts your weight forward and onto your lead side, ready for a lead hook. A lead hook rotates you back, ready for a cross. When a combination feels awkward, slow it right down. Notice where your weight is after each punch.
Return every punch to your guard
Beginners often leave a hand hanging after it has punched, especially at the end of a long combination. Every punch should return to your face before the next one goes out. The faster you return, the more balanced you'll be.
Turn your feet
Rotation comes from the ground. On a cross or rear uppercut, pivot on the ball of your back foot. For a lead hook, turn your lead foot slightly. Twisting your upper body over planted feet costs you power. It can also put extra strain on your knees and back.
Keep your wrist straight
On every punch, keep your wrist in line with your forearm. This matters even more on hooks and uppercuts, where it's easy to bend the wrist. A bent wrist can be injured even inside a glove.
Breathe out on every punch
A short, sharp breath out with each punch keeps your core engaged and stops you holding your breath. Holding your breath through a long combination tires you out quickly.
Build speed gradually
Speed comes from repetition. Throwing a combination slowly and correctly will make you faster in the long run than throwing it fast and badly. Your trainer will tell you when to pick up the pace.
Fitness and safety
Combination work on a bag is hard on your shoulders and core. Pace yourself across the round so your form holds up until the bell. Once your technique starts to fall apart, slow down or go back to a simpler combination.
Check with your GP or physio before starting boxing if you have shoulder or wrist problems. The same applies to elbow trouble or a history of neck or back pain. Tell your trainer about any injuries before class so they can offer modifications such as lighter punching or alternative exercises.
Practising outside class
Shadowboxing is a simple way to practise combinations between sessions. Set up in your stance in front of a mirror and throw each combination slowly, checking that your hands come back to your face and your feet pivot. Try rounds of one to two minutes. Calling the numbers out loud as you go can help them stick.
Learn combinations in a Box class
MPower's Box classes are skill-based boxing for power and coordination. You'll learn real technique and land your combos with a trainer coaching you along the way. Combinations also feature in Burn and BBB. Find a Box session on the timetable, or start with the 2 weeks free offer on the membership page, which includes free boxing gloves to keep.
