Boxing Punches One through Six
Most gyms, trainers, and coaches use a common numbering system for the basic punches in boxing. This helps make learning and training easier. Assuming the boxer is using an orthodox stance (right-handed boxer, meaning left hand leads), the punches one through six are jab(1), cross(2), left hook(3), right hook(4), left uppercut(5), right uppercut(6).
The Jab(1)
The most basic punch but perhaps the most important. Thrown with the lead hand and used for both offense and defense, the jab is integral to a boxer’s foundation.
How to do it: “The jab is performed in a direct line, jutting from the chin. The power you use is generated from the shoulders and radiates through your fist. When you are throwing the punch, relax the hand until right before it meets its target. Then tighten it quickly. Once you hit your target, quickly withdraw so you are not left with vulnerability.”
The Cross(2)
The most basic power punch, this is thrown with the rear (right) hand diagonally across the body. Because it’s thrown by the rear (power) hand, this is also referred to as the knockout punch and is useful as a finisher after a series of jabs.
How to do it: “To throw the cross, rotate your upper body towards your opponent, all the while pivoting your back foot and rotating your hips so you can use your entire strength and throw it into the punch. The arm should be fully extended at contact like a coil spring. Use your left hand to guard your chin while you’re throwing the punch.”
Left Hook(3)
Thrown with the lead (left) hand, this punch is useful for both power and speed. It’s most effective when your opponent is close, and can be thrown both high and low as needed.
How to do it: “Thrown with the left hand as weight is transferred from the right. To throw it, your left foot should pivot you back, towards the right at a lean, where you then raise your elbow so you can hit your target blatantly in an across movement at a twisted, 90-degree angle. Once you throw your punch, retract, don’t let it overextend it, and as always, protect your chin with your other arm.”
Right Hook(4)
Thrown with the power hand, this is another punch that can be used as a finisher and is often used at the end of a long combination. This can be a dangerous punch, especially when catching the opponent off-guard.
How to do it: “The reverse of the left hook, thrown with the right hand. The way that your body is set up can throw yourself off, so that’s why we emphasize your footwork, as well. The right hook emanates from your rear side at a slower pace than other punches, which makes it perfect for a close-ranged attack. The same as in the other punches, you need to protect your chin with your opposite hand and be ready for a counter.”
Left Uppercut(5)
Thrown with the lead hand from an awkward angle, this punch can be used to surprise the opponent. Can be effective when the opponent has a strong high guard or they are in close range.
How to do it: “When throwing this punch, it will need to be done as quickly as you can manage. As for form, you should have a slight dip in your waist and swing it a bit to the left. Use your raised back heel, pressure on your front foot, and your fist at a rotated, upward angle to really contact your opponent from underneath. Once that fist is rotated, explode it upwards sharply, gathering the strength from the front foot to be able to convey that strength up into your opponent’s chin. Be wary of where the punch lands. If you punch too low or too high, you won’t meet that sweet spot and it will leave you exposed.”
Right Uppercut(6)
Useful for throwing the opponent of balance, catching them by surprise, or as a knock-out punch. Can be thrown at the body or the head, and can be used to leave the opponent vulnerable to a finisher.
How to do it: “The right uppercut is the same movement as the left one, just in reverse. Destabilizing your opponent, whether it is their body or their face, you should throw the uppercut when you are really close range and when your opponent is high-guarding his or her chin. The uppercut should be thrown at a high speed, as quick as you can since it also leaves you completely vulnerable. This last punch can be the last punch you need to throw since it sets you up for the full-on knockout on your opponent. Once you throw your punch, make sure you move quickly to defensive guard to be able to avoid the exposing form and vulnerability of your position.”
Resources: GearUpMMA
