24 PUNCHING COMBINATIONS THAT WORK

24 Punching Combinations That Actually Work in Boxing

By Richard Davis, Owner of Ringsport the Australia brand.

See Video's below

The Fundamentals of a Pro Combination

There are four primary punches in boxing—the Jab, Cross, Hook, and Uppercut—with infinite variations. To throw them effectively, the "flow" is vital. Your second punch should "cross over" the first when the lead hand is halfway back to its starting position.

Pro Tip: To practice these safely, ensure you are using high-quality sparring gloves and that your coach is using stable focus pads like the Ringsport Back Strap model for maximum power absorption.

Left Jab Lead Combinations (The Foundation)

The jab is the most important punch in boxing. Use these sequences to find your range and set up heavy shots.

1. Left Jab – Right Cross (The classic 1-2)
2. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Jab
3. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Hook
4. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Hook – Right Cross
5. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Uppercut
6. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Uppercut – Short Right
7. Left Jab – Left Hook (The "Double Up")
8. Left Jab – Left Hook – Right Cross – Left Hook
9. Left Jab – Right Cross to the Body
10. Left Jab – Right Cross to Body – Left Hook to Head
11. Left Jab – Overhand Right to Head
12. Left Jab – Overhand Right – Left Uppercut
13. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Hook to the Body
14. Left Jab – Right Cross – Left Hook to Body – Right Hook to Body

Right Cross Lead Combinations (Advanced Counters)

Leading with the right is high-risk, high-reward. These are best used when you are fast, confident, or countering an opponent’s jab.

  15.           Right Cross – Straight Left

  16.           Right Cross – Straight Left – Right Cross

  17.           Right Cross – Left Hook

  18.           Right Cross – Left Hook – Right Cross

  19.           Right Cross – Left Hook – Right Cross – Left Uppercut

  20.           Right Cross – Slip Inside (Left) – Left Uppercut (In-Close)

Left Hook Lead Combinations 

Lead hooks catch opponents off guard and are perfect for closing the distance or changing levels, it must be fast to be effective and safe.

  21.           Left Hook – Right Cross to Head

  22.           Left Hook – Right Cross to Head – Left Hook

  23.           Left Hook – Right Cross to Body – Left Hook to Head

  24.           Left Hook – Right Cross to Head – Hook to Body

The Secret to Power: Footwork and Flow

The most critical aspect of any punching combination is the flow of body weight. Your feet must move with your punches. This allows you to stay in range as your opponent moves and ensures every shot carries the weight of your entire body.

Why some combos fail: You cannot throw a Left Jab followed immediately by a Left Uppercut without resetting, as it breaks the natural "power flow" of your weight shifting from one side to the other.

Master the Craft

If you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of these 24 combinations, check out our instructional DVD, "How To Box," or grab a copy of my book, "Modern Boxing For All."

Also there is counter punching blog I wrote which you may be interested in Boxing counter punches.

Below is a video of a boxer I coached for 7 years (Callum Cassidy) working on combinations that work (apart from double right hands) :)

With all punching combinations make sure that the feet and bodies natural movement and flow forward or back is always followed. Example you could not throw a left jab followed by a left upper cut as you would have to break the power flow.

Thanks for visiting the Ringsport Blog!