Before you dreamed of being the best boxer in the world, you must first be an expert on how to execute the basic punching techniques. Learning these basics is really necessary if you are looking to master the other boxing moves that are so complicated to do. This will serve as your first step on becoming the best on this sport.

Below are the 4 basic punching techniques that you should learn first:

1. Jab

A jab is a weak punch but is very effective on keeping your opponent away. The opponent cannot counter this punch most of the time because of its quickness thus making it more effective even it doesn’t have much power. The purpose of a jab is to measure the distance of the opponent so that you can prepare for much stronger punch. It is also used to test the opponent’s defense and set for stronger punches. For those who have strong jabs, this can be used also to weaken the defense of the opponent. So that there is a chance that your next punch will be a clean hit.

You can do a jab by extending your lead hand forward from the defensive position. The hand and torso should rotate in and down. Pull back the hand after the jab landed and back on your defensive stance. Do this repeatedly to familiarize how it is done.

2. Cross

After the jab, the next punch you should master is the cross. It is part of the one two combination meaning a jab and then a cross combination. The cross is a straight punch thrown with the back hand from the stance position. While throwing the back hand, the lead hand should be on a guard position to defend a possible counter punch from the opponent. Then the torso should rotate counter-clockwise and transfer your body weight on your rear foot. Same with the jab, pull back your hand after the shot landed and back at your defensive stance. This type of punch is the most effective because it travels in a straight line so it will hit the opponent quicker and stronger.

3. Hook

Hook is a very destructive type of punch if being mastered and executed correctly. Execute it by throwing your lead hand in a curve angle aiming to land at the opponent’s side. Same with the other punching techniques, it also requires you to turn your torso and the rear hand stays in a defensive position. Because this punch is too strong and is aiming to hit a critical part of the body, a single hook is capable of knocking down an opponent immediately or if not this will surely leave a critical damage to the opponent.

4. Uppercut

An uppercut is also a destructive punch if being thrown correctly but also very risky to execute. If you’ll ask why, simply because if it doesn’t hit the opponent there will be a wide open space to your body that the opponent can easily hit for a counter. So you should put on your mind that if you cannot end the opponent with your uppercut, it is possible that it will be your end also.

Uppercut is thrown by using the rear hand from a defensive stance then rotating your shoulder and upper body upward. Bend your knees to have a better position of hitting the opponent’s chin. This will outbalance the opponent so that you can prepare and shot a stronger punch for a finishing blow.

All these punches can be mastered through multiple times of repeated practice. Always remember to punch together with your body especially the shoulders and torso. Rotate the body then punch.