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There are four basic punches in boxing, these are the jab, the cross, hook and uppercut. For the following discussion assumes a right-handed or orthodox boxer. NB. If the boxer is a southpaw, the boxing stance changes accordingly, and all left punches become right punches.
LEFT JAB
The jab is arguably the most important punch in boxing as it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counter punch from the opponent. It also has the longest reach without requiring the boxer to commit or make large weight transfers.
RIGHT CROSS
The cross is a powerful straight punch thrown across the body originating from the strongest dominant hand (rear hand). The primary target area for the cross is the front of the opponent’s face. Technique wise, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line.
LEFT AND RIGHT HOOK
The Hook is a semi-circular punch thrown with the lead or rear hand. The primary target area is the jaw line along the side of the opponent’s head. The punch is executed by rolling the upright fist from a vertical position to a horizontal position in conjunction with a small step and rotation of the entire body in that direction except for the head.
LEFT AND RIGHT UPPERCUT
Thrown from either hand, the uppercut is a vertical rising punch that travels from the outside of the body into the centre in an upward motion towards the opponent’s chin. Technique wise, from the guard position, the boxer’s torso shifts slightly to the right as the rear hand drops and the knees are bent slightly. From this position, the rear hand is thrown upwards in a rising arc towards the target area with the knees pushing upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotating to mimic the body movement of the cross. Upon impact of the punch, the elbow of the punching arm rolls inwards to the rib.
