Different Types of Boxing Punches

The sport of boxing requires bravery, toughness, speed and skill, but the skill of a fighter is often overlooked due to the drama of the event.

For centuries, fighters have used different styles and techniques to gain an advantage over their opponents, but there are still some basic fundamentals that nearly all boxers must follow.

The art of boxing is to do as much damage as you can without getting hit, but some fighters are willing to put themselves at risk in order to win.

Even with the contrast in styles, fighters use the same basic punches in order to try and claim victory.

Here, we break each punch down and explain the benefits of each.

What are the different types of punches in boxing?

• Jab

• Cross

• Hook

• Uppercut

Jab

The jab is the primary punch in boxing and it is the most important weapon in a fighter's armoury.

The jab is thrown by the lead hand and it is supposed to be thrown in line with its starting point.

A fighter uses the jab with speed and precision, helping them score points on the scorecards, while it also allows them to judge the distance between themselves and the opponent.

A good jab is the starting point of any good boxing combination, and it can be used to attack and defend.

While the jab is a punch thrown with speed over power, it allows fighters to then use more force with their second and third punches.

Cross

Unlike the jab, the cross is thrown with the rear hand, regardless of whether a fighter uses an orthodox or southpaw stance.

The cross is supposed to penetrate the guard of an opponent and dish out significant damage. To execute a well-timed cross, a fighter must rotate the feet, fire through the hips and snap their shoulder to the target.

If a fighter can generate their power forward, it helps carry as much power into the punch as possible.

However, a fighter is often vulnerable when throwing a cross, so they must make sure they quickly get back behind their guard to prevent a counter-punch.

Hook

The hook has two variations, the lead hook and the rear hook. Fighters use the hook punch when they are close to their opponent as it is thrown in close proximity.

Fighters use the hook with maximum power, with the lead hook used on the front foot. A highly-skilled boxer will throw hooks to the body or head, making their opponent guess.

A rear hook is thrown on the back foot with the rear hand, but it can still have devastating effects.

To produce a solid hook, fighters must throw the punch while twisting their hips, as it helps them generate maximum power. If a fighter's technique is not consistent, they may throw hooks with varying degrees of power.

Uppercut

Like hooks, uppercuts are thrown when a fighter gets up close and personal with their opponent.

If an uppercut is thrown when out of range, a fighter will punch thin air and leave themselves open to punishment.

The uppercut can also be thrown as a lead or rear punch and it helps a fighter break through their opponents' guard.

An uppercut is supposed to be a tight and explosive punch and, if executed properly, it is thrown from the core to catch an opponent off guard.

Uppercuts can often surprise fighters who are expecting a hook or jab and they are most effective when an opponent is leaning forward.