Start with the four fundamental punches:
- Jab (1): A quick, straight punch with your lead hand.
- Cross (2): A powerful punch from your rear hand.
- Hook (3,4): A punch that comes from the side, targeting the jaw or ribs.
- uppercut (5,6): A punch that comes from below, aiming for the chin.
1️⃣ Jab (Lead Hand Punch)
✔ Purpose: Sets up other punches, controls distance, disrupts the opponent.
✔ How to Throw:
- Extend your lead hand (left hand if you’re orthodox, right hand if southpaw) straight out.
- Keep your elbow in and punch in a straight line.
- Rotate your knuckles downward as your fist lands.
- Quickly retract your hand back to your guard position.
🔥 Pro Tip: The jab is the most important punch—keep it snappy and fast, not heavy.
2️⃣ Cross (Rear Hand Power Punch)
✔ Purpose: A powerful punch used for knockouts.
✔ How to Throw:
- Rotate your hips and shoulders as you extend your rear hand forward.
- Keep your elbow tight to avoid looping the punch.
- Pivot on your rear foot for maximum power.
- Return to your guard quickly after throwing the punch.
🔥 Pro Tip: The cross is stronger when you use your whole body rotation, not just your arm.
3️⃣ & 4️⃣ Hook (Lead & Rear Hooks)
✔ Purpose: Attacks the opponent’s jaw or ribs from the side.
✔ How to Throw:
- Keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Rotate your hips and shoulders as you swing your punch in a circular motion.
- Aim for the opponent’s chin or body.
- Keep your other hand up for defense.
🔥 Pro Tip: A good hook is short and compact, not a wide swing.
5️⃣ & 6️⃣ Uppercut (Lead & Rear Uppercut)
✔ Purpose: Targets the chin or body from underneath, great for close-range fighting.
✔ How to Throw:
- Bend your knees slightly and drop your hand just a little before launching upward.
- Rotate your hips and shoulders as you drive your fist upwards.
- Keep the punch tight and controlled, don’t overextend.
🔥 Pro Tip: Uppercuts work best in close range, use them inside an opponent’s guard.
Punching Form & Tips
✅ Always Keep Your Guard Up – Never drop your hands after punching.
✅ Breathe Out with Each Punch – Helps with power and endurance.
✅ Rotate Your Hips & Shoulders – Power comes from the body, not just arms.
✅ Punch in a Straight Line – Don’t telegraph your punches by winding up.
✅ Relax & Stay Loose – Tension slows you down.
Beginner Drills to Practice
🥊 Shadowboxing – Practice throwing punches without a bag to focus on technique.
🥊 Heavy Bag Work – Helps with power and endurance.
🥊 Jab-Cross Combinations – Work on fluid motion between punches.