INTRODUCTION

JAB

One of the most basic and important punches in boxing. It is a quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand (the hand closest to your opponent). The jab is usually the first punch that a boxer learns and it used to set up other punches, to control the distance between you and your opponent, and to keep your opponent on the defensive.

A jab is thrown by extending your lead arm straight out in front of you, whilst rotating your shoulder and turning your wrist to create a snapping motion. The idea is to hit your opponent with the front of your glove, whilst quickly retracting your arm to avoid being countered.

Jabs can be thrown to the head or body, and can be used as a range-finding punch or to set up a more powerful punch like a cross or hook. They can also be used to disrupt your opponent's rhythm or to keep them at bay.

CROSS

Cross also known as a straight right or straight left depending on whether you are right or left-handed, is a power punch thrown with your back hand. It is usually one of the most powerful punches in a boxer's arsenal and is often used to finish off an opponent or to follow up after a jab.

To throw a cross, you step forward with your lead foot, pivot on the ball of your back foot, and rotate your hips and shoulders whilst simultaneously extending your back arm straight out towards your opponent. The goal is to transfer the power generated from your legs and torso to your arm, creating a powerful and accurate punch.

The cross can be thrown to the head or body and is usually used in combination with other punches such as the jab, hook or uppercut. It can also be used to counter an opponent's attack or keep them at bay.

HOOK

A hook is a punch thrown with a circular motion, targeting the opponent's head or body with the knuckles. It is usually thrown with the lead or back hand, and is one of the most effective power punches in boxing.

To throw a hook, you pivot on the ball of your lead foot (if throwing a lead hook) or your back foot (if throwing a back hook), whilst rotating your hips and shoulders in the direction of the punch. You then swing your arm in a circular motion, aiming to hit your opponent with the side of your fist.

Hooks can be thrown to the head or body, and can be used to set up other punches or as a finishing blow. They are particularly effective in close range situations, where there is not enough room to throw a straight punch.

UPPERCUT

An uppercut is a punch that is thrown upwards and aimed at the opponent's chin or body. It is typically used at close range and is one of the most devastating punches in boxing.

To thrown an uppercut, you bend your knees and drop your body weight whilst twisting your hips and shoulders to generate power. You then punch upwards with your lead or back hand, aiming to hit your opponent's chin or body with the knuckles.

Uppercuts can be thrown to the head or body, and are often used to break through an opponent's guard or to counter their attacks. They can also be used to set up other punches such as hooks or crosses.

There are different types of uppercuts, including the lead uppercut (thrown with the lead hand) and the back uppercut (thrown with the back hand). Uppercuts can also be thrown as a single punch or in combination with other punches.

You are no doubt familiar with the term "muscle memory". It's a really cool concept that plays a huge part in helping you remember this terminology when it comes to boxing, and with practise, comes progress!

Let loose, have fun and be open to learning and making mistakes as you go because that is preparing you in every way you need for this awesome sport and discipline.