Understanding 5 Different Types of Punches in Boxing

When starting with Boxing, one must learn about the traditional types of punches in Boxing. Depending on how they are executed, boxing punches have different names. Why learn about all punches? Because this will help you determine which punch to throw and when. 

We are here with a list of 5 types of punches in this sport. Learn about them and sharpen your skills to win more bouts. 

Different Punches in Boxing

Learning about the different types of punches in Boxing would help you use effective combinations in matches and advance. 

1- Jab

The jab is the most basic and most used punch in the world of Boxing. Though it sounds like an ordinary move, a jab can damage an opponent greatly when executed with precision.

How to Throw a Jab 

• Stand straight in a fighting pose with fists in the guard position.
• While keeping the head straight and chin tucked, extend your arm straight to land a blow.
• Return your fist quickly back to your face, taking the original position. 

2- Cross

The next among the punches in Boxing ia a cross which is similar to a jab. The difference is how you deliver a cross. To execute a cross, you use your power hand. Crosses are mostly used with Jabs in combination.

 How to Throw a Cross

• Pivot on your back foot while rotating the hips from right to left, angling the body towards the front.
• While rotating your body from right to left, extend the power arm to land a punch, using the shoulder and lats as the power source.
• Rotate your body and get back to the original fighting stance. 

3- Uppercut

The uppercut is one of the most useful punches in Boxing and can get you a knockout. As one of the most deadly boxing punches, the uppercut allows hitting the opponent’s chin and body. There are 2 types of uppercuts: lead and power. 

Lead Uppercut

The lead uppercut is landed using the lead fist. 

How to Throw a Lead Uppercut

• Get your lead foot in front and bend the knee.
• Using the lead fist, punch upwards.
• Keep the power fist close to the shoulder and rotate the arm.

Power Uppercut

Among the punches in Boxing, the power uppercut uses the power fist.

How to Throw a Power Uppercut

• From your fighting stance, get your power foot in front and bend the knee a bit. 
• Punch downwards to upwards using the power fist.
• Keep the lead fist close to the shoulder and rotate the power arm.

4- Hook

Hook is a popular punch used in Boxing. This punch is landed on the side area of your opponent’s body. There are two types of Hook pouches in Boxing: Lead and power.

Lead Hook

The lead hook uses the lead arm.

How to Throw a Lead Hook

• While keeping the power foot in front, rotate your hips from left to right.
• Extend the lead arm to shoulder height with the elbow at a 90-degree angle.
• The lead foot heel will lift a bit, and your elbow will end up almost in front of your face. 

power Hook

The power hook uses the power arm. 

How to Throw a power Hook

• While keeping the lead foot in front, rotate your hips from right to left.
• Extend the power arm to shoulder height with the elbow at a 90-degree angle.
• The power foot heel will lift a bit, and your elbow will end up almost in front of your face.

5- Overhand

Overhand punches in Boxing are similar to uppercuts. The only difference is that an overhand is thrown from upwards to downwards with a circular motion. 

How to do an Overhand

• Extend your power arm while bringing it from upwards to downwards.
• Turn your hips so the body rotates from right to left. 

If you have purchased essential boxing equipment and want to begin learning Boxing. Our blog here will help you learn about the different boxing punches. Master these punches and train hard to sharpen your reflexes, and you will dominate the boxing ring.

FAQs