Boxing combinations are numbered using a standard numbering system: 1 = jab, 2 = cross, 3 = lead hook, 4 = rear hook, 5 = lead uppercut, 6 = rear uppercut. 'b' after a number indicates a body shot (e.g. '2b' = rear cross to the body). This reference lists the 20 most important combinations from beginner to advanced.
Beginner Combinations (Months 1–3)
Focus on mechanics, not speed. Every punch returns to guard before the next one fires.
- 1 — Jab: The single jab. Not just a warm-up — the jab is your most important punch. Perfect the return to guard.
- 1-2 — Jab-Cross: The foundation. Every combination in boxing traces back to the 1-2.
- 1-1-2 — Double Jab-Cross: Two jabs disrupts guard timing before the power shot.
- 1-2-3 — Jab-Cross-Lead Hook: The first 3-punch combination. Cross sets up the hook by drawing the guard across.
- 1-2-1-2 — Double Jab-Cross: Build rhythm and footwork coordination.
Intermediate Combinations (Months 3–12)
Introduce the hook, uppercut, and body-head variation.
- 1-2-3-2 — Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross: Four punches, alternating lead and rear. Most common intermediate combination.
- 1-2-5-2 — Jab-Cross-Lead Uppercut-Cross: Introduces the uppercut as a gap opener.
- 1-2-3-2-3 — Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross-Hook: Five-punch combination. Requires guard maintenance throughout.
- 2b-3 — Body Cross-Lead Hook: 'Going downstairs then upstairs'. Body shot draws guard down, head hook follows.
- 3b-2 — Body Hook-Cross: Lead body hook forces rear guard to drop, cross follows to the open head.
- 1-2-3b-3 — Jab-Cross-Body Hook-Head Hook: Classic upstairs-downstairs finisher after the setup.
- 1-6-3 — Jab-Rear Uppercut-Lead Hook: The 'right-left' punch sequence after the jab. Powerful mid-range combo.
Advanced Combinations
Require footwork integration and precise guard management.
- 1-2-5-6-3 — Five Punch Combination: Both uppercuts + hook finish. Requires constant guard and hip rotation.
- Slip-2 — Slip Right-Cross: Defensive slip to the right + immediate rear cross counter.
- Pull-2-3 — Pull Back-Cross-Hook: Draw jab, pull back outside range, cross immediately as opponent's momentum carries them forward.
- Pivot-3 — Lead Pivot-Lead Hook: Exit off the attack line with a pivot, lead hook follows to the angle.
- 1-6-3-2-3 — Five Punch with Uppercut Lead: Jab opens, rear uppercut to the mid-section, head hook, cross, finish hook.
- Counter 2-3-2 — Counter Cross-Hook-Cross: Defensive counter sequence after slipping a jab. Three power shots from the counter position.
- Jab-Side Step-3-2 — Jab-Lateral-Hook-Cross: Footwork integrated combination — jab, lateral step, hook-cross from the new angle.
- 1b-2b-3 — Body Jab-Body Cross-Head Hook: Full body-to-head upstairs sequence.
Training These Combinations
Learn each combination in order of the list. Drill each one 100 times before moving to the next. Speed comes from repetition, not from immediately trying to go fast.
The best way to develop combinations is on focus mitts with a coach — the coach can vary the target, add defensive reactions between combinations, and give immediate feedback. Killa Boxing Marrickville runs technique-focused beginner and intermediate classes. First class free — book at kbf.pro.
Also useful: Footwork guide to integrate movement with combinations, and body shot guide for the 'b' combination variations.