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The punch guide

Six punches,
six numbers

Every coach calls punches by number, and so does yours. Learn the six and you can follow any combination called at you.

Odd numbers are your lead hand, even numbers your rear hand.

Lead hand

1: Jab

Your fastest punch: the lead hand, straight out and straight back.

Get it right

  • Snap it out from the chin; the palm turns down as the arm straightens.
  • The rear hand stays glued to your cheek.
  • Back on the same line, just as fast.

Watch for: Dropping the hand on the way back, which leaves your chin open.

Rear hand

2: Cross

The power straight: the rear hand, driven by the turn of the hip.

Get it right

  • Turn the rear heel and hip through as the arm goes out.
  • Fist, shoulder and hip end in one line.
  • The lead hand comes back to your chin.

Watch for: Pushing with the arm alone, with no turn behind it.

Lead hand

3: Lead hook

A short, tight arc from the lead side, turned by the hip.

Get it right

  • Lift the elbow to shoulder height, the arm bent at about 90°.
  • Turn on the lead foot; the hip swings the fist, not the arm.
  • Tight and short: no wide swing.

Watch for: Pulling the hand back to wind up before throwing it.

Rear hand

4: Rear hook

The same arc from the rear side, with the whole back leg behind it.

Get it right

  • Pivot the rear foot as the hip turns.
  • Elbow level with the fist, bent at 90°.
  • The lead hand stays home at your chin.

Watch for: Swinging wide, so it takes too long and opens you up.

Lead hand

5: Lead uppercut

Up the middle from the lead side: a small dip, then drive up.

Get it right

  • Bend the knees a little, then drive up through the lead leg.
  • The palm faces you and the fist rises under the chin line.
  • Keep it short: no big drop of the hand first.

Watch for: Dropping the hand low to load it, which telegraphs it.

Rear hand

6: Rear uppercut

The rear uppercut: dip on the rear side, then up with the hip.

Get it right

  • Sink onto the rear leg, then drive up.
  • Turn the rear hip forward as the fist rises.
  • Straight back to the chin afterwards.

Watch for: Leaning forward over the lead knee as you throw it.

Combinations

Put them together

A combination is called as its numbers, one after another. These are some of the first you’ll hear.

  • 1Jab
  • 1-2Jab, cross
  • 1-2-3Jab, cross, lead hook
  • 1-1-2Double jab, cross
  • 2-3-2Cross, lead hook, cross
  • 1-6-3-2Jab, rear uppercut, lead hook, cross
Start with a plan The Fundamentals program