Boxing is a complex sport that requires a blend of speed, strength, technique, and strategy. One key element that separates novice boxers from seasoned professionals is the use of advanced boxing combinations.
These combinations are not just a series of punches thrown together; they are strategic and purposeful sequences designed to outmaneuver opponents and create openings for effective strikes.
Elevate Your Boxing Game With These 19 Advanced Combinations
Throwing single punches in a boxing match typically isn’t enough to guarantee victory. Combinations allow you to overwhelm your opponent with your strikes, creating openings you then exploit. Let’s explore 19 advanced boxing combinations that can help elevate your game:
1) Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Cross (1-2-3-2)
This classic combination uses the jab to set up a powerful cross, followed by a lead hook to distract and another cross to penetrate the opponent’s guard. When done correctly, you get to land two powerful punches with your rear hand, giving your opponent something to think about.
2) Double Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Cross (1-1-2-3-2)
Doubling up on the jab increases the chances of breaking through your opponent’s defense, setting up a powerful cross and lead hook. This is one of the safest combinations on our list since you don’t take much risk when setting it up.
3) Lead Hook, Cross, Lead Hook To Body (3-2-3b)
This combination starts with a lead hook to surprise your opponent, followed by a cross and a hook to the body to lower their guard. The goal is to get your opponent to think you’re going for another hook to the head to end your combination when your real target is their liver.
4) Cross, Lead Hook, Cross, Duck, Cross (2-3-2-Duck-2)
After throwing a cross and a hook, duck to evade a potential counter before following up with another cross as a counterattack. This combination works best when going against experienced boxers who try to disrupt your combinations by countering.
5) Jab, Feint Jab, Lead Hook (1-Feint 1-3)
Use the jab to gauge distance, feint a jab to draw a reaction, and then land a lead hook as you step in. It’s an effective way to keep long, rangy opponents busy as you close the distance on them.
6) Jab, Cross, Lead Uppercut, Cross (1-2-5-2)
This combination uses the uppercut to lift the opponent’s head, making them vulnerable to a finishing cross. This combination can be a fight-ender when done correctly.
7) Rear Uppercut, Hook To Head, Hook To Body (6-3H-3B)
Starting with an uppercut can catch an opponent off-guard, followed by a hook to the head, then a hook to the body for maximum impact. It’s one of the more challenging combinations to master so spend lots of time perfecting it while shadowboxing and working on heavy bags before trying to use it during sparring sessions.
8) Hook, Cross, Double Lead Hook To Head And Body (3-2-3h-3b)
Start with a hook to the head, then a powerful cross. Subsequently, two hooks, one aimed at the head and the other at the body, create a high-low pattern that can disorient the opponent.
9) Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Roll, Lead Hook (1-2-3-Roll-3)
Start with a 1-2-3 combination, then roll to the left and end it off with another lead hook. The shoulder roll helps to generate power to throw the ending lead hook.
10) Jab, Hook To Head, Body Shot, Overhand Right (1-3H-3B-Overhand)
Start with a jab to have your opponent guard their face, then throw a lead hook to the head, then follow with a lead hook to the body for the body shot. Lastly, end off with the overhand right as it is a powerful punch that can break through a tight guard.
11) Jab, Cross, Hook To Body (1-2-3B)
Setting up the jab and cross to the head will get your opponent to keep their hands up leaving their body exposed for body shots. The lead hook to the body will catch them off guard and they will receive the blow from the body shot.
12) Lead Uppercut, Rear Hook To Head, Lead Hook To Body (5-4H-3B)
Similarly to the previous combination, we want to get our opponent’s hands up letting them think that there are more punches to the head, leaving their body exposed. A combination of an uppercut and hooks to different parts of the body will keep the opponent guessing and vulnerable.
13) Jab, Cross, Shovel Hook (1-2-Shovel Hook)
Throw a powerful jab, and cross combination to your opponent’s head to have his guard high up to his head. This will give you an opportunity to throw a shovel hook to the liver.
14) Lead Body Hook, Lead Head Hook (3b-3h)
Start with a hook to the body to bring the guard down, then follow up with a head hook for a high-impact sequence.
15) Cross, Lead Hook To Body, Pivot, Lead Head Hook (2-3b-Pivot-3h)
After throwing a cross and body hook, a pivot provides a new angle for a surprise hook to the head.
16) Feint Lead Hook To Body, Cross To Head (Feint-2H)
The feint hook draws the guard down as it is aimed at the body, leaving the head exposed for a cross.
17) Jab, Double Rear Uppercut (1-6B-6H)
The jab will help to close the distance between you and your opponent making it easier to execute the first rear uppercut to the body. Once your opponent drops their guard to protect their body, immediately throw another rear uppercut to the head.
19) Jab, Cross, Lead Hook To Head, Slip Left, Lead Hook To Body (1-2-3H-Slip Left-3B)
The slip evades an incoming punch while positioning for a strong hook. It’s another creative combination for closing distances on longer opponents and the slip allows you to evade straight punches thrown at you.
Perfecting The Combinations
The key to effectively incorporating these combinations into your boxing arsenal is to focus on a few key areas:
- Technique: Ensure each punch is executed with proper form to maximize power and efficiency.
- Speed: Work on delivering these combinations quickly to overwhelm your opponent.
- Timing: Understanding when to use each combination is as important as the execution itself.
- Footwork: Good footwork is essential for positioning and balance throughout these combinations.
- Defense: Always be prepared to defend against potential counters from your opponent.
Incorporating Into Training
Here are some effective ways to incorporate these combinations into your boxing arsenal:
- Shadow Boxing: Start by practicing the combinations in the air, focusing on form and fluidity.
- Heavy Bag Work: Implement these combinations on the heavy bag, focusing on power and endurance.
- Focus Mitts: Work with a coach or partner on pads to improve accuracy and timing.
- Sparring: Apply these combinations in sparring sessions to practice under more realistic conditions.
Combinations Separate Experts From Beginners
Mastering advanced boxing combinations is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and an understanding of the nuances of boxing.
You can develop a diverse and effective offensive arsenal that can surprise and overpower your opponents by incorporating these 19 combinations into your training. Remember, the key to success in boxing isn’t just knowing a variety of combinations, but, rather, also understanding when and how to use each one effectively. That’s something you’ll develop with more time inside the ring.
You may also like:
