You’ve probably heard some people say that boxing is a sport of three punches, generally the straight, hook, and uppercut. But there’s a whole lot more to it than that. Individual punches may look simple, but when skillfully used in a combination, it can give you an advantage over your opponent or even take your fitness level up a notch as many studies have found.
Best training boxing combos?
The application of alternate punches when combined with the total body engagement necessary is great for physical and even neurological benefits, helping to improve balance while burning lots of calories and building muscle.
Boxing combos should be practiced in a way that you can perform them at any angle, even with your eyes closed. By mastering them, you can use them while moving backward, forwards, or even sideways.
Shadowboxing is a convenient option for practicing punch combinations, but if you can, it’s even better if you can invite a partner over so that they can properly hold the mitts/pads for you.
If you’ve already been boxing to practice for fights against an opponent or more for fitness at home and you’re familiar with the basic punches, you might want to try and master some boxing combos that can help you take things up a level.
Jab/Cross/Lead Hook
The primary punch in this combo is the lead hook as it often catches people off guard. You’ll want to keep your arm at a 90-degree angle, parallel to the ground. You wouldn’t want to risk exposing your chin to an opponent, so it’s important to lower your punch rather than reaching down by bending your knees.
It’s thrown with the right hand for a southpaw and the left for an orthodox stance. Be sure you’re within range to land the hook.
The setup is the job and the cross is thrown as more of a distraction, without putting a lot of power into it. Your head should lean slightly toward the outside of your lead foot rather than in the middle as it will allow you to avoid incoming punches.
Once the cross is thrown, opponents may throw a counter or drop their guard entirely. There will be a slight pause just before you explode with the hook.
Jab/Rear Uppercut
This combo is ideal for southpaws as their left hand is their rear hand. Using that hand makes it easy to strike an opponent’s liver, a painful blow that can even be enough to put them to sleep or significantly slow them down. You’ll want to step forward with the jab to cover the distance while setting up effectively for the uppercut.
Proper rhythm requires waiting for your opponent to bring his hands up after the job which provides an opening for the uppercut.
Jab/Cross
It may be one of the easiest, most basic combos to learn but the jab/cross is also one of the most effective, which means it’s a must to get it right. You’ll start with a jab to measure the distance of your opponent in order to throw a quick jab then a cross.
It’s incredibly effective as it’s challenging to measure distance with your eyes. By jabbing with your lead hand you’ll instantly have a good idea of the distance between yourselves.
Wrap-Up
Have you been using boxing as a way to stay in shape? It’s a great workout and worth a look!
