Punches explained
The Stances: Orthodox and Southpaw
A boxer's stance is their fundamental starting position. It's based on which foot and hand they lead with.
Orthodox: This is the most common stance, used primarily by right-handed boxers. The boxer stands with their left foot and left hand forward. The lead hand (the left hand) is used for quick punches like the jab, while the rear hand (the right hand) is used for power punches.
Southpaw: This stance is the mirror image of orthodox and is used primarily by left-handed boxers. The boxer stands with their right foot and right hand forward. The right hand is used for the jab, while the powerful left hand is the rear hand, used for stronger punches.
The Punches
The following is a breakdown of the punches in your combination, numbered according to a standard system.
Jab (1): A quick, straight punch thrown with your lead hand. Its purpose is to measure distance, disrupt your opponent's rhythm, and set up more powerful punches. It's a snap-like punch, not a power punch.
Straight (2): A powerful, straight punch thrown with your rear hand. It gets its power from the rotation of your hips and torso as you pivot on your back foot. This is often the most powerful punch in a boxer's arsenal.
- Hook Head (3): A circular punch thrown with your lead hand, aimed at the side of your opponent's head or jaw.
- Front Upper: An uppercut thrown with your lead hand. It is a short, vertical punch that comes up from underneath your opponent's guard, targeting the chin or solar plexus. If you are going to the body, aim for the liver. For orthodox it is the left hand, for southpaw it is the right hand.
- Back Upper: An uppercut thrown with your back hand. Great option when slipping to land the shot to the liver or underneath the guard to the chin. This is the right upper for orthodox, left upper for southpaws.
Slip: This is a defensive move, a head movement, but you really move your entire torso. Hinge to the side, rotating the opposite foot. This helps you avoid a straight punch, either a 1 or 2.
- Roll: This is a defensive move, not a punch. It's a quick dip and weave with your head and torso to evade an incoming punch, usually a hook. Think of it as your head spelling a u shape. Bend at the knees and hinge at the hips, inclining the torso slightly but keeping your eyes on your opponent.
Front Hook Body: A hook thrown with your lead hand that targets the side of your opponent's body, specifically the ribs or liver. This punch is designed to drain an opponent's energy and force them to drop their guard.
Back Hook Body: A hook thrown with your back hand. If you are orthodox, this would be a right hook to the body, if you are southpaw a left hook to the body. Great option for a punch after a roll with an angled step.
Step Pivot: This is a footwork maneuver. You take a step with your lead foot and rotate your body, changing your angle to get off the opponent's centerline. This can be used to set up a new attack or to evade a counter.
