BOXING COMBINATIONS FOR BEGINNERS
Every boxer speaks the same language: punch numbers. Learn the numbers, learn 8 essential combinations, and you will never stare at a heavy bag wondering what to throw again.
THE PUNCH NUMBERS
1
Jab
Your range finder and setup punch. Fast, light, constant.
2
Cross
The power punch off your back hand. Turn the hips into it.
3
Lead hook
Short and tight around the guard. Elbow up, pivot the lead foot.
4
Overhand right
Loops over the top of their guard. Your hail mary when they shell up.
5
Lead uppercut
Comes up the middle, through the guard. Devastating at close range.
6
Rear uppercut
Same idea off the back hand. Short, compact, violent.
8 COMBINATIONS TO MASTER FIRST
1-2
Jab-Cross
The foundation of everything. Jab measures, cross lands.
1-1-2
Double Jab-Cross
Two jabs blind them, the cross comes through clean.
1-2-3
Jab-Cross-Hook
The classic. Rotate hard on the hook to finish around their guard.
1-2-3-2
Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross
The hook turns you sideways; the cross snaps you back straight.
1-2-5
Jab-Cross-Lead Uppercut
When they shell up high, the uppercut goes up the middle.
1-6-3
Jab-Rear Uppercut-Hook
Uppercut lifts the chin, hook takes the head with it.
1-2-3b-2
Jab-Cross-Hook to Body-Cross
Going downstairs makes them drop their hands. Then go back up.
2-3-2
Cross-Hook-Cross
Power combination. Throw it when they are on the ropes or against the cage.
HOW TO DRILL THEM
Shadowbox each combination slowly until the motion feels smooth, then take it to the bag. Speed comes from relaxation, not tension. The moment your shoulders creep up to your ears, slow back down.
Drill one combination per round. Three minutes of nothing but 1-2-3 will teach your body more than ten minutes of random punching.
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COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the most basic boxing combination?
The 1-2: jab, cross. It is the first combination every boxer learns and the one pros still throw more than any other.
What do the numbers mean in boxing combinations?
Each number is a punch: 1 jab, 2 cross, 3 lead hook, 4 overhand right, 5 lead uppercut, 6 rear uppercut. A 'b' means to the body, like 3b for hook to the body.
How do beginners practice combinations?
Shadowbox them slowly first to learn the rhythm, then drill them on the heavy bag one combination per round. Add defense, a slip or roll, after each combo as you improve.
How many combinations should a beginner learn?
Master three or four before collecting more. A sharp 1-2-3 beats ten sloppy combinations every time.
KEEP LEARNING
KNOW THE COMBOS. NOW LEARN TO FIGHT.
Not sure where to start? Message A1 directly and he will point you to the right plan.
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