Punches Every Boxer Should Know

Boxing is a very straightforward type of martial arts, allowing only punches with a gloved fist. As a result, practicing and improving your punches is the most critical boxing component.

The jab, the cross, the hook, and the uppercut are the four fundamental blows in boxing. The jab is a straight punch launched from the guard stance with the lead hand, with the fist turning horizontal upon impact. The jab is the most important punch in boxing because it provides a good deal of cover for the boxer and leaves the least space for the opponent to counter punch. Additionally, it offers the greatest reach without requiring the fighter to commit or perform significant weight adjustments.

The jab's primary target area is around the opponent's nose. The boxer raises the lead shoulder to guard the chin, while the rear hand stays close to the face to shield the jaw. After contact with the target, the lead hand is swiftly retracted to guard the face. Boxers used the jab to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, harass an opponent, and set up bigger, more devastating punches.

The cross is a powerful straight blow delivered across the body from the dominant hand (rear hand). The front of the opponent's face is the primary target region for the cross. The fighter throws the rear hand from the chin, crossing the body and traveling straight toward the target.

Additionally, boxers can use the cross to counterpunch an opponent's jab aimed at the opponent's head, counterpunch an opponent's cross aimed at the body, or set up a hook. Frequently, boxers use the cross in conjunction with a jab, forming the famous “one-two” combination.

The hook is a semi-circular punch thrown with either hand. The jawline along the side of the opponent's head is the key target area. The boxer delivers the punch by rolling the upright fist horizontally, followed by a small step and rotating the entire body except for the head.

If the boxer wants to use power, they must put the elbow in line with the fist. The other hand is firmly tucked against the jaw, shielding the chin. When the hook makes contact, its circular motion abruptly terminates, and the striking hand is instantly yanked back into the guard posture.

Boxers also use the hook to target the lower body. It is frequently referred to as a “body rip” to differentiate it from the traditional hook to the head. Throwing the uppercut is possible from either hand. It is a vertical punch that moves from the outside of the body into the center upward toward the opponent's chin.

The boxer's body shifts slightly from the guard stance to the right in terms of technique while the rear hand drops and the knees are slightly bent. From this position, the rear hand is flung upward in a rising arc toward the target location, with the knees pressing fast upward and the torso and hips twisting in sync with the cross's body movement. When delivering the punch, the punching arm's elbow moves forward toward the rib.

Learning the basic boxing punches is the first step to becoming a good boxer. Some of these punches and punch combinations may seem more natural than others at first. All boxers have their favorite moves and start to make their go-to combos, but the most important thing is to become familiar with all of them.