Techniques for Beginner Boxing

A boxer needs to keep in mind certain ground rules before embarking on a round of boxing. To begin with, he needs to stand with his legs shoulder-width apart with one foot being a half-step behind the other. Both feet should point inward. The lead fist is positioned nearly six inches in front of the face at eye level while the rear fist is placed next to the chin. The elbow is held in a way to protect the body from punches. The chin is tucked in the chest to protect the jaws from knock-outs.

When you practice your boxing punch technique, you must make sure your hands are properly wrapped and that you are wearing the right kind of boxing gloves. One of the basic boxing tips is making sure you have the right gear to avoid injury and maximize your performance.

There are four types of punches — ‘jab’, ‘cross’, ‘hook’ and ‘uppercut’. The jab is a straight punch given from the lead hand following a clockwise rotation of the torso and hips. The fist comes 90 degrees and immediately comes to a horizontal position after the impact. This is the most important punch for a boxer because it often overpowers the opponent.

The Boxing Jab Technique

The jab is thrown with the hand on the same side as the leading leg. For example a right handed boxer would stand with the left foot leading and therefore jab with the left hand. There is minimal hip rotation in a jab. It is more of a straight, quick whip like motion with the arm that is meant to distract the opponent and measure distance. The cross and hook are the knockout punches, the jab sets them up.

Throwing a Cross Boxing Tips

The cross is thrown with the opposite hand of the lead leg and is very powerful because it generates most of its power from hip rotation. To use the cross technique:

1. Start with your feet planted.
2. By pushing off with your back foot, turn your body toward your lead leg side while keeping your lead foot in place.
3. As you make the turn, extend the punching hand toward the chin of your opponent.

Practice putting the three steps together as you punch a heavy bag to increase power.

The Boxing Hook Technique

The hook is thrown with the same hand as the jab, but in this case you angle your fist toward the side of your opponents chin and turn your body toward your back foot. Like the cross, the hook is capable of knocking out your opponent.

The Uppercut Technique

The uppercut is a vertical and rising punch executed with the rear hand. The straight left jab to the head is the commonest boxing technique. A right uppercut involves standing in a traditional boxing stance by holding the back knee bent. These are just some tips for a fresh boxer.