It's simple to throw vicious boxing gym combinations at the heavy bag, but what use is it if none of the blows lands on their intended target in a real fight? Because a skilled good boxer will make sure you pay for your mistakes if you miss them.
Unless you intend to develop into a mindless brawler, you should never just mindlessly throw punches without reason. In this tutorial, you will learn some key pointers on how to land your boxing combos successfully.
1. Don’t Expect to Land Every Punch
You cannot really expect to land every single punch you throw unless you're fighting against a human punching bag with zero head movement. Expect to land the second punch in a straightforward two-punch boxing combo and two strikes in a four-punch combination.
When you're up against a smooth, fiercely defensive boxer with quicker hands and feet, it's really just a numbers game. Yes, it will be challenging to detect the target, but how can you do it if you only use single or double punches?
Additionally, expecting to win every battle you enter will only lead to frustration and disappointment. If you enter a fight with the knowledge that you're going to miss, possibly by a wide margin, you can change your approach to one that will be more effective against a specific kind of combatant.
2. Strike When Your Opponent Covers Up
Even though it's much harder to attack a moving target, some fighters will cover up with a high guard to take a break, especially if you're applying a lot of pressure, even if it's just a small portion or their entire style (e.g. Arthur Abraham, Joshua Clottey, Winky Wright, you get my point).
This is the ideal time to toss a combination that will both stop them from throwing and score "points" for you. However, it would be best if you use caution while fighting someone like Curtis Stevens, who enjoys catching and countering.
It can be difficult to get past the high guard, but using uppercuts to tear up through the middle and body shots behind their elbows will work.
3. Back Them Up Onto the Ropes or Corner
Except for Floyd Mayweather Jr. or James Toney, who perform best when their backs are against the ropes, most fighters are encouraged to hold the centre of the ring. A pure boxer would frequently perform poorly when forced onto the ropes or into a corner.
You have more possibilities to let loose with your blows because there are fewer points of exit. Throw a vicious hook to the body in the direction they're travelling, followed right after with a straight punch to the head if you see them trying to flee quickly.
4. Know What Follows After Each Punch
Awkward boxing combos have two sides, like a double-edged sword: on one side, they're unorthodox and difficult for opponents to predict, but on the bigger, sharper side, they're slower and leave you open to counterpunches.
Which combination do you believe is easier to throw and more likely to connect, for instance, a straight jab followed by a lead hook vs a double lead hook and an overhand? Here's a hint: It's not the second one.
It's useful to keep your combos straightforward so that each punch flows smoothly after the one before it.
5. Limit the Number of Punches You Throw
I noted in tip number one that hitting a boxer who is proficient in defence is a numbers game. I did not plan to continuously throw combinations of 5, 6, and 7 punches (although it will work against anyone if you have the stamina to keep up the tempo and the fortitude to handle any hard counters).
The best strategy is to concentrate all of your attention and effort on 2, 3, or 4-punch combinations, emphasizing quality over number.
Every punch needs to have a purpose. For instance, the first punch ought to set up the next two, which should split the guard and hopefully result in a knockdown.
6. Go to the Body
What do you do when a fighter with a tiny head and fast feet approaches you?
Congratulations if your response was, "Bang him to the body until that annoying sucker slows down!!!".
The use of body shots as well as headshots, is a sign of a skilled boxer because headhunting will only get you so far in the ring. The torso is a broader target than the head, making them easier to land and adding an element of unpredictability. If they land in the sweet zones, they also hurt like hell.
The rear uppercut or the lead hook to the body from mid-range are the two best body blows to land in the middle of a boxing combo. In actuality, that order is also a terrific combo.
7. Control Your Power
You essentially expose yourself more every time you deliver a hard punch. You give up a little amount of balance and defence for the chance to deliver a damaging strike. In the end, you'll take longer to defend yourself and deliver another punch by pulling your hand back.
If you want to throw a combination with effective speed and power, power in the combo should be an ascent. Generally speaking, the first blow will be the weakest, and the last blow should be the strongest.
Using this technique, you may naturally increase your speed, power, and timing, which would be challenging if you used full force with every blow.
8. Control the Distance
Distance is vital when it comes to whether a punch lands and how hard it lands. To put it simply, you have to close the distance in order to be in range to punch and then calculate in your head which punches will be most successful at that range.
It sounds simple, and it is for some foes, but dealing with a mover who has a longer reach and faster hand speed than you may be really challenging.
This gives you even more justification to heed tip number seven about managing your power. You can use quick, light feint punches to close the gap before following up once you're near a proper combo.
9. Start Off Each Combination With a Jab
This advice is excellent, but it's not a general rule of thumb in itself. By operating as a measuring stick, a laser guide, or deceit, the jab at the start of a combination can help you land subsequent blows; these are all helpful tactics against any type of opponent, especially defensive-minded fighters.
Repeating the same thing inevitably results in predictability, and every great counterpuncher in a boxing match craves predictable behaviour. As a result, it's a good idea to switch lead punches and combination starts occasionally.
Remember that throwing a jab at a close range puts you at risk because you can't get a full length on it; it produces minimal damage and is simple to counter at such a close range. Beginning a combo with a lead hook or rear uppercut could be safer in this situation.
Improve Your Boxing Competition With These Five Tips
Are you a boxer eager to learn some effective pugilistic techniques? Do you wish to improve your boxing abilities? We believe we can guide you there.
Every boxer's hardest task in the boxing offence is throwing surprising strikes.
Combinations provide you flexibility in your offence and prevent your opponent from anticipating your next play, which keeps him on the defensive. Let's go right to the point now.
Here are five boxing-related considerations to keep in mind while you throw punch combos.
1. Think Before You Punch
The four various punches are as follows:
Mix things up if you want to diversify your offence. Use a combination of the punches above, to put it simply. The only blows that scored against a boxer's standing were those that landed in the body and head, the only two allowed scoring areas. Knowing that there are only so many scoring zones in boxing is crucial.
Punches that connect with the elbows and arms are worthless. Punches that hit on the spine and below the belt are prohibited.
However, the greatest way to boost your possibilities of landing good, clean strikes is to consistently alternate between punching the body and the head. Doing this makes it more difficult for your opponents to anticipate the location of your next punch.
2. Save Your Energy By Throwing Impactful Punches Only:
It's not a good idea to throw punches pointlessly, and you should always keep in mind that each blow you throw uses energy. Although it may be tempting to launch an all-out assault without stopping, doing so will wear you out too quickly.
Take into account that if you punch too much, your lactic acid threshold will be exceeded. It consequently prevents you from lifting your arms or throwing punches, which further depletes your energy. A boxer who lacks proper conditioning may consequently get overly exhausted after just a few matches.
Therefore, one must only use effective punches; otherwise, ineffective punches will exhaust you too quickly and easily.
3. Allow Variety In Your Punches:
It's exciting to realize that there are so many various combinations you may use when boxing. For instance, the 1-2 and the hook-straight are basic combinations. Some combinations are more complex.
Remember that throwing the same combos repeatedly is not a good idea. This is due to the fact that your opponent will eventually be able to outsmart your offence.
You must allow variation in your punch output to have a strong offence. Continue honing your combinations on the targeted mitts, enhancing your technique, and building stamina on the heavy bag to achieve this goal.
It's time to use the technique in sparring once you feel comfortable with it. Testing out your greatest combos in practice before using them in the competition is crucial.
4. Make Good Head Movements:
It would be best if you moved your head well to add more unpredictability to your strike combinations. Your side-to-side swaying and bobbing make you more difficult to attack. You must simultaneously shift and transfer your weight and momentum in a fluid motion.
Notably, constantly moving his head is one quality of a great boxer. In combat, concentrating on head movement is quite difficult because you also need to take into account the complexities of the many other rings. Beginners, in particular, should remember this.
But focusing on moving your head correctly when you're fighting shows that you're really focused on every facet of your boxing technique.
You have a considerably reduced probability of being hit clean if you move your head. It permits impulsivity to be used on both your offence and defence.
One method of honing head movement is crucial shadow boxing. To accomplish this, you must shadow the box while facing a mirror, paying close attention to your head movement.
5. Understand How To Position Yourself In The Boxing Ring:
You must be aware of when to combine your combos if you want to improve the precision of your punch. Beginners often have difficulties with distance judgment.
Boxers must master the art of rapid footwork to close the gap and position themselves for the best possible punch.
Since their opponent won't just sit there and take it, they also start concentrating on their escape routes. They can strike back, and they will.
It's advised to always get out of the way of your opponent's strongest punch. This is because their power and effectiveness are drastically reduced when they respond to this.
The proper placement is crucial for learning how and when to use your greatest combinations. Combined with fluid footwork, this will let you quickly outdance your opponents.
Wrapping It Up:
- You should pay attention to all of these suggestions to knock the ball out of the park, from throwing varied and meaningful punches to moving your head well and getting into position. Following these five recommendations will benefit you more because you now understand what it takes to improve your boxing abilities to win all of your contests.The next time you go to the gym, just be sure to pay close attention to these five suggestions for improving your pugilistic technique. This will enable you to maximize the effectiveness of your combinations and succeed in the ring. Good luck.
Sudden punch known as Jab: This is the most used and most straightforward punch in boxing.
- Short side punch named Hook: As it comes from the side, this punch style lets you catch the opponent off guard.
- Straight punch called the Cross: This punch is known as the most harmful and effective one.
- Short swinging upward punch named Uppercut: This special punch is delivered at close range and is regarded as a powerful knockout punch.
Basic Boxing Combinations
1-2 (Jab-Right cross)
You naturally learn to throw the basic 1-2 jab-cross combination initially. It's the first time you've combined two punches, and you probably practised it on your younger brother or your obnoxious next-door neighbour before you even picked up a boxing glove. Your quick jab catches your opponent off guard, and the right cross rips off his skull. By mastering the 1-2, you can actually take the fight to the other side.
1-1-2 (Jab-Jab-Cross)
This one involves tricking your adversary. Because your opponent might be anticipating a 1-2, the 1-1-2 works; if so, your opponent may be surprised by the second jab, allowing way for your powerful right hand once again. If you think your opponent is waiting for your right cross to throw a counter, the 1-1-2 is also helpful. Instead of throwing you are standard 1-2, you will continuously test the waters (or your opponent's defence) with jabs until he makes a mistake; at this point, you will cross him with a right.
1-2-3 (Jab-Cross-Left hook)
This is when boxing begins to be enjoyable. When you throw the right hand, your weight automatically switches, setting the left hook up. The left hook, which follows your right cross, can severely harm your opponent. It can be directed high at his jaw or down at his body. Regardless of whether your right cross lands or not, the left hook is equally deadly.
1-2-3-2 (Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross)
You tossing LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT is all this is. The jab uncovers your opponent's guard. You then deliver three powerful blows: a right hand, a left hook, and a right-hand finish. You can congratulate yourself when the three powerful fists land flawlessly.
1-2-5-2 (Jab-Cross-Left uppercut-Cross)
The only difference between this combo and the last one is that a left uppercut is used in place of the left hook. The left uppercut's downward trajectory will catch your opponent off guard. The left uppercut will cause the other person to snap his head up so you can chop it off with the right-hand finish if he prefers to hide behind his high guard with his head down or if he wants to charge into you.
1-6-3-2 (Jab-Right uppercut-Left hook-Right hand)
Beginning with the 1-2 all the time may become a little too predictable. A cunning opponent can attempt to evade the right hand. He might also just prepare for a straight right hand by raising his guard. In either scenario, delivering a powerful right uppercut will deal a ton of damage and raise the opponent's head, allowing you to finish with a left hook and right hand. You can aim the right uppercut at the head or the body. When doing this, be careful not to become too predictable because when you throw that right uppercut, your head is open to jabs and DEADLY counter-left hooks.
2-3-2 (Right cross-Left hook-Right cross)
Sometimes there isn't enough space to put up an entire combo. You don't have time to start with the jab if your opponent is too aggressive and is encroaching on your space. Drop a massive right hand on him, then a left hook, a big right hand, then a left hook. Why bother with a jab if he's already wide open? Just launch right into the heavy blows. At close range, the 2-3-2 is excellent. Hurt your feet by digging them in.
Want More Punching Combinations?
You don't need to know any other combinations. Simply altering how you throw some punches will give you an infinite number of additional opportunities to connect with your opponent.
Lighten The Left Hand
Many beginners attempt to make every punch powerful. Save your strength and body weight for the huge right hand instead of doing it. Keep your jabs light and precise. If you miss, you can try throwing softer left hooks to prevent yourself from losing your equilibrium.
Throw Some Fakes
Great stuff, this. Fake the jab instead of throwing a 1-2 to persuade your foe to lift his hand. Then, since his defence is in the wrong spot, simply land your right cross. Repeat the process while simulating alternative combinations, such as the first or second punch. You can jab, feint the right (causing your opponent to raise his guard), and then slam him with a powerful left hook that slips through his defence.
Double The Left Hands
Similar to the 1-1-2. However, you can also use a left uppercut or a double left hook. Throwing LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT isn't always a good idea. It's too easy to block and too predictable. LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-LEFT-LEFT, throw. As he blocks the incorrect side and you strike him with the other hand, it will switch him over.
Throw Faster Punches
Don't overpower every punch, once again. Lighten them up to make your throws faster and boost the probability that they will connect. When you have your enemy hurt, worn out, and dropping his hands out of laziness, you can reserve the power for a later time. You can also vary it up by delivering both quick and powerful blows. While the heavy punches carry the true power, the rapid strikes break up your opponent's rhythm.
Go To The Body
Try not to always shoot for the head. It's very predictable and might not be effective against quick, agile boxers. The larger target on the body will make your opponent have to block high and low. Go up and down to make him work harder on defence and improve your chances of hitting. You should also be aware that a well-placed body punch might render your opponent helpless and knock them out painfully.
Experts frequently use the same combinations. They don't start off attempting to punch more or punch harder. They merely change their combos' aim, angle, and timing to defeat their opponents.
Frequenly Asked Questions
How do I practice throwing combinations?
There are a few different ways you can practice throwing combinations. One way is to shadow the box. Shadowboxing is a great way to practice your technique and footwork without a partner. Another way to practice throwing combinations is to use a punching bag. A punching bag can help you develop power and accuracy. You can also practice throwing combinations with a partner. This is a great way to improve your timing and defence.
How can I improve my boxing combinations over time?
The best way to improve your boxing combinations over time is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at throwing combinations. You should also focus on improving your footwork, timing, and power. If you can do these things, you will be well on your way to landing your combinations with more consistency and power.
How do I know if I'm throwing my combinations correctly?
There are a few things you can look for to know if you're throwing your combinations correctly. First, make sure your punches are landing cleanly. If they're not, you may need to adjust your footwork or timing.
Second, make sure you're throwing a variety of punches. If you're only throwing jabs and crosses, your opponent will be able to defend against you easily. Third, make sure you're mixing up the order in which you throw your punches. If you're predictable, your opponent will be able to easily counter you.
Which resources teach landing boxing combinations?
Many resources teach landing boxing combos. Some ideas:
- Books: Many books cover boxing combinations. "Boxing: The Science of Hitting" by Jack Dempsey and "Advanced Boxing Technique" by Evander Holyfield are popular books.
- Websites: Many websites provide boxing combination information. WBC and IBF websites are popular.
- Videos: Many YouTube and other websites show boxing combos.
What are frequent boxing combo mistakes?
Boxing combo faults include:
- Throwing too many punches: It's better to throw a few punches well than many poorly.
- Bad footwork: You cannot build up and land combos without solid footwork.
- Improper timing: Punches miss if your timing is incorrect.
- Powerless punches: Punches without power are ineffective.
- Being predictable: Your opponent can readily protect against known combinations.