Top 10 Basic Boxing Combinations (plus how to use them)

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right uppercut to the body

In boxing, a good combination, in the right moment can win you the fight. That’s why it’s really cool to know the most effective ones and to be able to throw them properly.

So, if you are a beginner who is looking for the best boxing punching combos, you have found the right place. We are going to talk about which are the best ones for newbies, how to throw them properly and in which situations to use them.

*This is the list of the top 10 most effective combinations in boxing (for beginners):

  1. Jab->Cross (1-2)
  2. Double Jab->Cross (1-1-2)
  3. Jab->Cross->Lead Hook (1-2-3)
  4. Jab to the body->Cross to the head
  5. Jab to the head->Rear uppercut to the body
  6. Fake a cross->Left hook
  7. Lead uppercut->Cross
  8. Jab->Rear hook
  9. Jab/lead hook->Rear uppercut
  10. Jab->Lead hook to the body->Cross

We will dive into every combination more thoroughly later in the article but before that, let’s first discuss what actually makes one punching combination effective:

The main goal of the combinations

You need to understand that the boxing combinations aren’t rules. They are just concepts, which purpose is to help you land more clean shots (mainly because of the different angles from which you are punching while doing them). That confuses the opponent, who is trying to block all the shots, and eventually, he will protect the wrong place, and you will catch him off guard.

So the main goal of the combos is to make the other fighter leave himself open. That’s why the most of the punches of the combination aren’t power shots. They are just a distraction for the hard ones.

In the beginning, you will probably try to put power in every shot. But that won’t help you to land an effective combination. That’s because the powerful punches require building more momentum, which slows them down and makes them easier to see.

When doing the combos which we described below in the article, usually you need to start with a quick but less powerful punch and finish the combination with a hard shot. And most of the times the first punch is a jab (because of its speed and range) and the last one (the hardest one) is a power-hand punch.

The purpose of the quick first shot is just to distract the attention of your opponent from the more powerful blows. And also to give you some extra time so you can build huge momentum for your hard punches (which are usually much slower than the quick but less powerful ones.

That’s why I recommend to never start a combination with a hard power hand punch. Especially when you are at a distance from your opponent. If you want to land such shot clean, always try to set it up with a quick jab.

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Different punches

They say that boxing is the sport of the three punches (the straight, the hook and the uppercut). But that can’t be further from the truth. Because there are plenty of different ways to throw a jab, cross, hook or uppercut. For example, you can change the angle a little bit or rotate your hand differently. Which makes the punch feels completely different.

For instance, let’s take a look at the jab – You can throw a power jab or snap jab. You can throw it with your palm facing the ceiling, or the floor. You can throw it in a straight line or a little bit like a hook. You can aim at different places (on the head – the chin, forehead, or the sides of the face; On the body – the liver, stomach, solar plexus etc). Also, your body positioning, the speed, the angle, and the timing of the punch create even more variations.

So the combos in this article can be multiplied by thousands of times if we add the different types of punches into the equation. That’s why the different boxers are able to throw the same combo in completely different ways.

Rhythm manipulation

The rhythm is one of the factors that can completely change given combination. It basically means the timing of your movements and punches when boxing.

For example, the combo: Jab-Cross feels very differently, compared to Jab-*one second pause*-Cross. The timing is not the same so you need to defend it differently. That means that in a fight, you can throw the same combination but with a different rhythm and land it every time. And on the flip side – if you use the same rhythm every time, even if you are using different combinations, you will get predicted and your punches will get blocked. To prevent that from happening you need to use rhythm manipulation – to change your rhythm unexpectedly.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Change the timing. Like in the example above – when doing a combo, make a pause for a split of the second. Or throw it faster next time. Just make sure you aren’t using the same timing over and over again.

2. Double up punches. Don’t just throw left-right-left-right combos. Because when doing so, your opponent will know from where your next punch is coming and will be able to block it easily. That’s why sometimes you need to double up your shots. Throw left-right-right, left-left-right, etc. Make your punches harder to predict. And when doubling up punches different than the jab, don’t forget to move your head. Otherwise, it will be an easy target for counters. We will discuss that more thoroughly later in this article.

3. Use different combinations. It’s obvious that you will get predicted if you use the same combo with the same rhythm more many times in a row. So you need to mix it up. For example, throw quick 1-2 (Jab-Cross), one or two times. Make your opponent use to that combo. And next time end it with a powerful lead hook – 1-2-3. Chances are your opponent won’t expect that and you will catch him off guard.

4. Trade power for speed. As I already mentioned, to try to put power behind every punch isn’t the most effective way to throw combinations. Sometimes you want just to touch your opponent with a quick punch. That way you can block his vision and distract his attention, and of course, land the bigger punches after that. You can do that by alternating between fast and power punches. This can really confuse the other boxer. For example, the 1-1-2 (double jab – cross) combination, can be done in several ways:

  • First punch fast – second punch fast – third one hard
  • First punch fast – second one hard – third one fast
  • First one fast – second one hard – third one hard

The variations are many. And it’s really confusing because your opponent won’t know when he needs to cover up to stop the hard punch and when you will just tap him. For example, let’s say you throw first two jabs fast, but with no power. After the other boxer feels that you aren’t committing with your punches, he may loosen his guard. And then you can catch him with the powerful shot.

You can take the same principle and implement it in your combos rather than just in your punches. What I mean by that is to alternate between fast combos and hard ones. It’s a really effective tactic, especially if you use it against defensive opponents who like to cover up.

Angles

angle advantage boxing

In boxing, “angle” can mean two things –  the angle from where your punches are coming and your position towards your opponent. The first meaning doesn’t need more explanation. But the second one is more interesting. In boxing, there are 3 main angles towards the opponent:

Forward angle – When you go forward and your opponent is stepping back

Circling angle – When you circle around your opponent

Backward angle – When you are fighting going backward

Some combos are more effective for a forward angle, and others for backward and circling. We will discuss that later (when we describe the top 10 combinations).

Distance

posting with the lead hand

If you control the distance, you control the fight. That’s why it’s one of the most important things in boxing. The distance in boxing is very different from the distance in kickboxing, in Muay Thai or in MMA. That’s because there is no takedown or kick threat, so you can stay close to your opponent.

When you want to throw a combination, usually what I recommend is staying just outside of your opponent’s range before you throw it. Then start the combo (usually with a long jab) and make a step forward at the same time. The jab will mask your step and you will close the distance before the other boxer realize what is happening. After that, you can land the heavier shots.

A common beginner mistake is to try to close the gap without using their jabs or moving their head properly. And that’s a really bad idea. You can see what can happen if you do so if you watch all these videos of untrained people try to fight with boxers. Most of the times they chase the boxer, (usually with their hands down) while he just waits for them to come at the right distance so he can catch them. The newbies also rarely use their jabs. They want to throw the power hand blow right away, which is another huge mistake.

And we want to avoid that. That’s why controlling the distance is so important. Never enter into the range of your opponent without being prepared.

Of course, sometimes you will be closer to the other boxer. When fighting like a swarmer for example. In such situations, you don’t necessarily need to start with a jab. We are also going to discuss such “short range combinations”.

Avoid Telegraphing

Telegraphing means to make it obvious for the opponent that you are going to throw given punch. That usually happens when you are trying to build huge momentum and you are loading the shot too much. But sometimes is a completely unconscious movement of your hand just before you throw it.

I had a similar problem in the beginning. I was slightly moving my right hand before I punch but that was enough for my opponent to know that I am going to throw it next. So he blocked it and then countered me every time. If you don’t want to make the same mistake, here are my top tips on how to avoid telegraphing:

  • Don’t load the first punch of the combination – just throw it in a straight line. Don’t focus on power but on speed and accuracy with your first shot. Then add more power.
  • Don’t start the combo with a rear hand overhand or a haymaker. Such punches are powerful, but they are slow and easier to be seen. So instead, start with a quick non-telegraphed straight punch (the jab most of the times).
  • If you have a similar problem like me in the beginning (to unconsciously move your hand before punching), try to throw punches in front of a mirror. And try to not move your hand while doing so. Do this exercise until you remove the habit.

Tip: Not every time telegraphing is a bad thing. Sometimes you can use it to masks a punch and trick your opponent. A great example of this is the bolo punch. It’s an uppercut which looks like a big loaded cross. It’s really cool because the other boxer may try to defend a cross and then you will catch him clean with the uppercut. The cons are that it leaves you open, and it isn’t very fast.


Feints

The feints are another important thing you need to add into your combinations. As we already know, the purpose of the first punch isn’t to damage your opponent, but just to mask your steps when you coming in or to distract the attention from your harder shots. But at a certain point you will realize that you can do this without actually throwing punches – there the feints come into play. When using feints you can make your opponent open himself without actually opening yourself.

A feint can be a punch in the air, a half punch or even slightly move of your glove. When doing feints you want to make your opponent react (thinking is a punch) and then catch him with a real shot when he doesn’t expect. And the best thing is that you can do that without leaving yourself exposed.


Tip: The easiest feint is to just move your right glove quickly up just before you throw a jab – it’s very effective (especially when sparring with a beginner). Try it in your next sparring sessions, it will help you land more clean jabs. But of course, don’t do it every time – don’t be predictable.


Danger Level

Most combinations here are “low risk” ones – you start with the jab from a distance and then land the powerful shots. But there are also “high risk-high reward” ones. They start with more powerful punches such has uppercut or a feint. Such combos are more dangerous because you can leave yourself open when doing them, but if you land them the impact will be greater. This is another factor that we are going to consider when talking about the combinations.

So, let’s get started:

1) Jab-Cross (1-2)

Range: Long – Just at outside of the range of the opponent

Danger level: Low – (As long as you bring your lead hand back in front of your face after throwing the jab)


Info: This is the first combination you learn when start boxing. It’s very simple yet effective. You start with a jab which purpose is to gauge the distance and to measure it. Because sometimes it’s hard to measure it quickly using only your eyes. So when using your lead hand (when jabbing) and you are able to reach your opponent, you instantly know that you can catch him with your cross also.


Footwork: Try to step with the jab so you can cover more distance. Try to exit the combo to your right (or left if southpaw). That way, unlike when exiting to your left you won’t need to make an additional step and you will get in a safe position quicker.

Head movement: If you are shorter than your opponent, duck your head and move it under his left arm after you throw the cross. It’s like bobbing and weaving. That way you will prevent getting countered by his left hook.

Angles: Every angle – You can throw that combo, going backward, forward or when circling. Muhammad Ali used it often when circled around his opponents.

Rhythm: You can throw the cross immediately after the jab or wait for a moment. Which way is more effective, depends on the style of the other fighter. If he likes to keep his hands down, throw it fast and land both punches. And if he uses a high guard, wait for a moment before you throw the cross, chances are he will expose himself after blocking the jab.

You can throw both punches hard, but what I recommend is not committing with the jab too much. Throw it without much power behind it but very quick. That way you won’t leave yourself open.

Feints: There are two options here. To fake the jab and to throw the cross after a split of the second (do throw it instantly after the feint, wait for the other boxer to expose himself). You can also fake the jab and then throw 1-2. Both feints can be really effective.

2) Double Jab-Cross (1-1-2)

Range: Very Long

Danger level: Very low

Info: This is one of the best combos in the game. I like it because it isn’t a generic – right-left-right-left combination. The first two shots are coming from the same direction which can confuse your opponent and increases the chance to catch him. Also, the additional jab helps you to cover much longer distance compared to when throwing 1-2. That’s why is very effective against taller opponents.

It isn’t necessary to land the first jab every time. You can start the combo from a very long distance and just to throw the first jab out there, just to distract your opponent’s attention from your feet while moving forward. But the second jab needs to land.

Footwork: Make two steps forward with the jabs (or one if you are closer to the other fighter). Then plant your feet so you can throw a powerful cross. Exit the combination backward or similarly to when throwing 1-2.

Head movement: If there isn’t a threat from counters you don’t need to move your head. And if there is, use the same bobbing and weaving as when throwing jab-cross combo.

Angles: Forward – This is an aggressive combination, which helps you to close the gap between you and your opponent. That’s why most effective when going forward.

Rhythm: I already give an example what rhythm you can use for this combination when we talked about what is the rhythm in boxing (fast-hard-hard, hard-fast-hard or fast-fast-hard).

What else you can do when throwing this combo is to throw a hook or a lead uppercut instead of the first (or the second) jab. It’s important that the hook or the uppercut needs to look like a jab – start it like a jab but with your palm down or sideways. The purpose of this is to confuse your opponent with the different angles from where you punching. Don’t worry about the power, make it tricky, not powerful. When throwing the hook, you can even do it like a slap – with an open hand. It will be really confusing.

Feints: Only faking the first jab can be effective here.

3) Jab->Cross->Lead Hook (1-2-3)

Range: Mid/Long

Danger level: Medium – You can get countered as you throw the hook

Info: A great combination which can knock your opponent out if you catch him clean with the hook. That’s why the last punch here (the lead hook) is usually the hardest one. To execute this combo correctly, you need to start with light 1-2 from a distance and to shift your weight on your front leg as you throw the cross. That will get you in a great position for a powerful lead hook. All you need to do is to spring up and then release the punch.

You can also land the left hook on your opponent’s body (right in the liver if you are an orthodox boxer). It’s also really effective combo because the other fighter probably won’t expect it. And if you really want to make it confusing, you can aim the body with the jab or with the cross. For example, you can start with a jab to the body, then cross to the head and finish the combination with another body shot. You have many options here.

I also like this combo, because when using it, even if the opponent blocks the straight shots you can throw the hook around his guard and catch him. And if your opponent likes to slip punches, he may slip the first two, but then fall into the hook, which can be devastating.

Footwork: Again, stay just outside the range, and make a step with your jab. Then throw the cross and switch the body weight on your lead leg while doing so. Then use the weight to put more power into your hook.

Head movement: Depending on the situation and the counters your opponent will use.

Angles: Forward, or when you are in a neutral stance (in front of your opponent without moving).

Rhythm: Throw it quickly or make a short pause after the jab and the cross, depending on the situation.

Feints: You can fake the jab if your opponent likes to slip it. If he does, throw just 2-3 and catch him.

4) Jab to the body->Cross to the head

Range: Long

Risk level: Low

Info: This combination uses a simple concept – make your opponent think low – come high. This concept is used often used in other sports such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai or MMA where kicking is legal. In this sports, the fighters like to make their rivals defend their legs, thinking that they are going to throw a low kick. But then they catch them unexpectedly with a high kick to the head. That can be really dangerous if you take the bait.

In boxing, kicking isn’t legal but still, we can apply the same concept here also. And the combo: Jab to the body – Cross to the head is a great example of that. Boxers such as Floyd Mayweather used it often. Your goal here is similar to the goal of the kickboxers – to make the other boxer lower his guard, protecting his body and land a clean punch to the head.

Footwork: Make a step forward with the jab and bend your knees a little bit as your throwing it. The spring up with the cross to the head.

Head movement: Duck your head when throwing the jab to the body.

Angles: Forward

Rhythm: Do the combination as quickly as you can, so you can catch your opponent as he lowers his guard

Feints: Feint a jab to the head and then go to the body. That is called “changing levels” and can really confuse your opponent. When changing levels, the eyes are important. They can help you trick your opponent or telegraph your intentions. And we want to use them, of course, to trick our opponent.

To do that look at his face before you go to the body. And the opposite – look at his body when you want to start the combination with a head punch. But try to not take a look at the same place where you want to hit. Because by doing that you are basically telling your opponent what you are going to do, and he will probably going to counter you.

5) Jab to the head->Rear uppercut to the body

Range: Long

Danger level: Medium – you are vulnerable for left hooks and jabs while loading the body shot

Info: If you like to fight from a distance but you also like the body shots, this combination is for you. It’s a two-punch combo very similar to the previous one. But, unlike it, here we are aiming first at the head and then to the body. Our goal is to hurt the body. The first punch (the jab) is just a distraction from the powerful body shot.

This combination is really effective, especially when is used by a southpaw. Actually, it’s one of the favorites combos of the southpaws. That’s because their rear hand is their left hand. Which means that when they throw it to the body of their opponent they can land it on his liver which is a really painful place to get hit. With such shot, you can even finish your opponent off. But even if you aren’t a southpaw fighter, you can still make some good damage. Because every body shot you land, slows your opponent down, and makes him gas out more quickly.

Footwork: Step with the jab so you can cover the distance for the long power hand uppercut.

Head movement: Be ready to slip counter punches as you load the body shot.

Angles: Forward

Rhythm: Before you throw the uppercut, wait for the other boxer to get his hands up, and leave his body open.

Feints: You don’t necessarily need to jab. You can just extend your arm and stick the glove in front the other boxer’s face. That way you will block his vision, so there isn’t a chance for him to see the body shot. Which will make it even more painful.

6) Fake a cross->Left hook

Range: Mid/Long

Danger level: High

Info: This is a risky but really effective combo. Actually, it’s not exactly a combination of punches – is just a feint followed by a punch, but still, it can be devastating. All you need to do is to fake a right cross, then to step forward and throw a left hook (and the opposite if you are a southpaw). By doing that, you will make your opponent defend himself from a right punch and then catch him with your left hand.

Another variation of this is ducking (bobbing and weaving) followed by a lead hook to the head. It’s really tricky because it looks like you are going to the body. Old school fighters such as Joe Frazier used this all the time. But even nowadays this technique is still used. For example, using this combination, Wladimir Klitschko knocked out his opponent – Kubrat Pulev in 2015.

I said that this combo is risky because if your opponent doesn’t take the bait, you are in trouble. You can easily be countered with a straight punch as you come forward. Something similar happened when the UFC fighter Conor McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo. Jose tried the same combo but he was countered by a straight left hand which basically finished the fight. So this combination can be really effective, but you need to be careful when doing it.

Footwork: Make a step towards your opponent after the feint and throw the lead hook. Don’t pivot your right foot when faking the right hand. You aren’t throwing it for real, so that will only slow you down.

Head movement: Chances are you are going to be vulnerable for straight punches and for check left hooks. So be ready to slip the straights or to duck under the hooks.

Angles: Forward – is an aggressive combination

Rhythm: Throw the lead hook as your opponent takes the bait and cover himself up. Otherwise, he will see the cross.

7) Lead uppercut->Cross

Range: Short/Mid

Danger level: Medium

Info: Here’s another tricky combination. To execute it correctly, before you throw the uppercut, you need to bend your knees a little bit like you are going for a body shot. That can make your opponent lower his guard, protecting his body. And then you can land a clean lead uppercut to the head and finish the combo with a powerful cross. The only disadvantage of this combination is that it starts with an uppercut which can leave you open for straight punches because you need to lower your lead hand to load the uppercut.

Footwork: Duck a little bit and hop forward with the uppercut. Then throw the cross and exit to your right or backward before your opponent has a chance to counter you.

Head movement: Be ready to slip straight counter punches.

Angles: Forward because you need to hop forward when throwing the uppercut

Rhythm: If you notice that your opponent protect his head, then land the uppercut to the body and vice versa. Always target the unprotected places. To set this combo up, you can throw some body shots before that, so you can make the other boxer lower his guard when you load the uppercut, thinking it’s another body punch.

Feints: You can fake a right hand, before ducking and throwing the lead uppercut.

8) Jab->Rear hook

Range: Short/Mid

Danger level: Low

Info: This is a basic punching combination, which most of the coaches usually teach you in the beginning, so you can learn how to shift your weight between the legs properly. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be effective in a fight. Actually, it’s used at the heights level of the sport.

For instance, one of the best boxers in the world – Floyd Mayweather use if all the time. And it’s very simple – you just need to throw a jab to the head as a set up for the hook. It’s really effective against defensive opponents (with hight guards) because you can throw the hook around their guards and land it flush.

Footwork: Make a step with the jab if you are too far away to land the hook.

Head movement: You can move your head inside as you throw the hook (in the same direction as the hook) or duck under the counters.

Angles: Forward, backward or neutral

Rhythm: The hook needs to be thrown behind the jab so your opponent won’t be able to see it. So throw it immediately after the jab.

Feints: If you are too close to your opponent you can just fake the jab and quickly land the hook.

9) Jab/lead hook->Rear uppercut

Range: Mid/Long

Danger level: Average

Info: With this combination, Anthony Joshua hurt Klitschko badly and then finished him off.  He threw a lead hook counter, which Klitschko ducked but then Joshua caught him with a powerful right uppercut. It was devastating. You can use the same combination from a long distance. All you need to do is to use a jab instead of a lead hook.

Footwork: Depending on the situation when you use the combo. If you throw it from a distance, you may need to make a step forward with your jab, so you can land the uppercut. And when using it to counter your opponent as he comes in (like in the example with Anthony Joshua), you will probably need to make a step back or sideways.

Head movement: Depending on the counters. From a long distance be ready to slip straights. And when fighting from the inside be aware of the hooks and uppercuts that your opponent may throw.

Angles: Neutral, Forward, Backward

Rhythm: You need to throw the uppercut just before your rival exposes himself. That way you will catch him off guard. Is a matter of precise timing.

Feints: You can try feinting a jab, then throw a real one and then catch the other boxer with the uppercut.

10) Jab->Lead hook to the body->Cross

Range: Short/Mid

Danger level: Low

Last but not least, a cool combination that combines two types of tricks: doubled punches and changing levels. When using it you will really make your opponent guessing what is coming next.

Footwork: Move forward as you throw the jab and try to stay close to your opponent so you can land the body shot.

Head movement: There is a chance to be countered when loading the uppercut. So be ready to slip.

Angles: Forward

Rhythm: Throw the body shot as your opponent start protecting his head. Then catch him with the cross as he lowers his guard.

Feints: You can feint a right hand before you throw the uppercut (very similar to the Lead uppercut->Right cross combo).

How to master a combination

The best way to master a combination is by shadowboxing (a lot of it) and then using it in sparring. Shadowboxing will help you learn the technique and when sparring you will learn how to use it in a real fight situation.

At a certain point, you will understand that not only the rhythm, the angle, the speed, and the timing make a combination great. You also need to know in which situations it’s applicable and in which it isn’t. Also against what kind of opponent’s you can use it more effectively and which opponents are going to counter you.

In boxing that is called “fight IQ” and it comes with the experience. What I can recommend to increase you fight IQ is to spar a lot, to watch a lot of boxing matches and also a lot of breakdowns for different matches and fighters (there are tons of great boxing breakdown videos on YouTube). That’s the fastest way you can increase your fight IQ and box smarter.

How to create your own combinations

During training, you will start developing your own unique style. You can even create your own combinations. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Start with multiple punch combination. For example 1-2-3-6 (Jab->Cross->Lead Hook->Rear Uppercut). And then make some variations. For instance, instead of a lead hook to the head, you can go to the body, or instead of cross you can throw an overhand or double up the jab. That way you will eventually find something that is effective, and then implement it in your game. Of course, first test the next combination in your next sparring session. If it works – use it, if it doesn’t make adjustments and make it work.

So, have you ever created your own punching combination that can be effective in a real boxing match?

Let me know in the comments below:

Dimitar Ivanov

A boxing enthusiast who is always eager to learn something new about boxing and share it!

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