Top 5 Boxing Punches You Need to Know: Techniques, Combos, and More

Have you ever wondered what makes a boxer successful? Everything starts with learning the fundamental types of boxing punches. We’ll show you the top 5 punches every boxer should have, how to use them in your fighting style and explain the right way to move with a boxing stance and related movements.

We’ll also look at basic boxing gear like gloves, hand wraps, and punching bags, essential for training, whether you’re practicing in custom boxing shorts, sparring, or wearing protective headgear. We can begin now!

What Are Different Types of Punches in Boxing?

The six main punches in boxing are based on four main types called the jab, cross, hook and uppercut. Any fighter needs powerful combinations, which depend on learning and practicing these four boxing punches. How you punch can be changed slightly if you stand in a different stance or switch hands. Practicing these basic techniques, whether on pads, against someone or with full boxing equipment, is the first step to becoming a better and more confident fighter.

How Do You Do Basic Punches In Boxing?

Now that you know how the punch number system goes, you can start practicing the real moves.

Discover the top punching bags perfect for compact spaces and home gyms in our latest blog: Best Punching Bags for Small Spaces and Home Gyms.

1. The Jab

• Get into the guard position, with your hands raised in front of you.

• Extend your lead arm straight out and then quickly retract it.

• The jab works best when thrown quickly and accurately; it shouldn't rely primarily on strength 

(image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/6035a8c271/jab_boxing_punch.jpg) 

2) The Cross

• Stand with your fists raised in front of your face as you start.

• Turn your feet so that your back foot is pointing behind you and rotate your hips to face slightly beyond your back foot.

• When twisting, shoot your backhand straight out from your shoulder and hip, not only using your arm muscle.

• Flick your hand away to guard and then reset into your stance.

(Image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/fc8f1e6ac0/cross_boxing_punch.jpg) 

3) The Lead Hook

• Start in your boxing stance and have your fists ready up near your face.

• As you make a spin, push your body weight onto the leg you are already skating on.

• Bring the lead arm up to shoulder level while bending your elbow so that it makes about a 90-degree angle.

• Turn on your lead foot and twist your body forward as you throw the punch.

• Finish your punch with your elbow almost touching your chin.

(Image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/ce68a44d07/lead_hook_boxing_punch.jpg) 

4) The Rear Hook

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your fists up to your face.

• Move your weight forward toward the leg you are going to kick as you turn slightly to the side.

• Lift your lead arm higher until it is at your shoulder level and bent at a 90-degree angle.

• Rotate your body as you go on your lead foot when throwing a punch.

• Finish the punch by having your elbow end up next to your cheek when your arm is bent.

(Image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/97012bb0a1/rear_hook_boxing_punch.jpg) 

5) The Lead Uppercut

• While boxing, make your fists come up to protect your face and form your guard.

• Lower your body by bending the knees slightly and using control.

• Keep your lead arm down, elbow bent at 90 degrees.

• Drive your punch from your legs and hips, and keep your elbow bent.

(Image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/b47f9d8d96/lead_uppercut_boxing_punch.jpg) 

6) The Rear Uppercut

• Keep your fists in guard position while you stand in your boxing stance.

• Bend your knees slightly to improve your balance in a squat position.

• Lower your rear arm and bend it approximately at a right angle to your body.

• Before throwing your punch, pivot on the heel of your back foot, rotate your hips and make sure your elbow is bent.

(Image link- https://img2.storyblok.com/690x863/filters:focal(null):format(webp)/f/115220/880x1100/9a844a2214/rear_uppercut.png) 

(ref- 6 Types of Boxing Punches & Combinations | FightCamp) 

Final Thoughts 

You should practice the jab, cross, hook and uppercut to form solid combos and develop better technique. Matching your skills with the proper boxing gear, such as boxing gloves, sparring gloves, hand wraps, custom boxing shorts, headgear and punching bags, will protect you and make training safe and effective at any age.

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