Types of Punches
The timing and technique of throwing punches
You're not going to win a boxing match without throwing punches. In fact, many boxers have tried it and deservedly failed. There's an art to throwing punches in boxing; you don't just get into the ring and start flailing away. You need to practice effective punching over and over again. This means you need good balance, speed, power and technique. You also have to know what type of punch to throw and when to launch it for it to be effective. To learn how to properly prepare yourself for punching, please read about the basics of boxing.
The basic types of punches in boxing include:
- Jab
- Hook
- Uppercut
- Straight right / straight left
- Combination
The jab
The jab is the most important punch in boxing because it can help you control a fight and can be an effective defensive tool, keeping your opponent at bay. A left-handed (southpaw) boxer will use a right jab, and an right-handed (orthodox) fighter will use a left jab.
A jab is thrown straight out from the shoulder while you're in a normal boxing stance. When jabbing, your fist should be twisting 90 degrees in a snapping motion, so the palm is facing down at the end of the punch. Your knees should be bent, your chin down and your lead shoulder up against your jaw for protection. Your waist should rotate so that your lead hip is facing your opponent. Remember to bring your fist back as quickly as possible. If you're throwing more than one jab (and you should really throw at least two at a time), pull your fist back only half way before throwing the second (or third, or fourth) jab. When you are done jabbing, you should draw back into your normal stance.
The hookWhen throwing a hook, your elbow should be drawn back and bent so that your upper arm, elbow and forearm are all level and parallel to the ground. This makes a hook a semi-circular punch that usually lands to the side of your opponent's head or jaw. Your other hand should be tucked against your jaw for protection. Your torso and hips should rotate clockwise for a left hook and counterclockwise for a right hook. Your lead foot should pivot, turning the heel outwards. When you throw a left hook, your body weight should shift from the left to the right, and vice versa for a right hook. You can also throw hooks to the body.
The uppercut
This is one of the most dangerous punches in boxing. However, it isn't as widely used as other punches because you need the perfect opportunity to throw it. An uppercut is usually thrown during infighting, when you're close to your opponent and he or she is leaning forward with his or her head uncovered. This punch is an upward punch that's thrown with the rear hand. Shift your body slightly so that your rear hand drops below your opponent's chest and your knees are slightly bent. From this position, thrust your fist upward toward your opponent's chin and push your knees upward quickly. Rotate your torso and hips, and turn your rear heel outward.
The straight right or straight left
The straight right or straight left can often be your most powerful punch. From your stance, let the rear hand start to come out from the chin. For a straight right, the right hip should torque counterclockwise. The punch should continue straight out until your arm is fully extended and your shoulder follows the punch. When you land the punch, your body weight should be transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, and your rear heel should be slightly turned out. Your lead hand should be tucked against you for protection. This punch is also called a cross.Combinations
You should be able to throw numerous punches in straight succession without losing your balance. This means you should always be in position to throw one punch right after another. Your opponent may be able to slip a single punch, but it's a lot harder to avoid a combination. The most popular combination for a right-hander is the one-two, which is a left jab followed by a straight right. The punches need to be thrown in quick succession, with the straight punch being thrown as the jab is coming back. Other common combinations include a straight right to the body followed by a left hook to the jaw, a left jab followed by a left hook and a right uppercut followed by a left hook. In this combination, the uppercut lifts your opponent's jaw up so the hook has a target to land on.
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