Boxing has its own language. This glossary covers the most important terms you'll encounter in training and when watching boxing — from basic technique vocabulary to tactical terms to rules terminology.
Punching Techniques
Jab (1): The lead hand straight punch — the primary range-setting and set-up punch in boxing.
Cross (2): The rear hand straight punch — the primary power punch. Also called the 'straight right' (orthodox) or 'straight left' (southpaw).
Hook (3/4): A curved punch that travels in a horizontal arc. Left hook (3) from the lead hand; right hook (4) from the rear hand.
Uppercut (5/6): An upward punch that travels vertically. Left uppercut (5) and right uppercut (6).
Body shot: Any punch targeting the torso rather than the head.
Overhand: A looping overhead punch — technically a cross variation that travels over the opponent's guard.
Stances
Orthodox: Standard right-handed stance — left foot forward, right foot back, left jab and right cross.
Southpaw: Left-handed stance — right foot forward, left foot back, right jab and left cross.
Switch-hitting: Ability to fight competently in both orthodox and southpaw stances.
Defensive Techniques
Slip: Moving the head laterally off the line of an incoming punch by rotating the torso.
Bob and weave: Bending the knees to drop under a hook while moving laterally — circling under the punch path.
Roll: Using the shoulder to deflect a punch — the shoulder roll technique.
Parry: Redirecting an incoming punch with a small deflecting movement of the lead or rear hand.
Block: Using the arms or shoulders to absorb an incoming punch.
Pull-back (or pull counter): Leaning back slightly to let a punch miss, then countering as the opponent overextends.
Footwork
Pivot: Rotating on the lead foot to change the angle you're presenting to an opponent.
Lateral step: Stepping sideways while maintaining guard and stance.
Circling: Moving around an opponent in a continuous arc.
Cutting the ring: Using angled movement to prevent an opponent from circling out of range.
Range
Outside: Beyond punching range — neither fighter can hit the other without stepping in.
Punching range: Distance where straight punches land effectively.
Inside (pocket): Close range — where hooks and uppercuts are most effective.
Clinch: Holding an opponent at close range — legal in boxing but referees break it.
Tactics
Ring generalship: Controlling position in the ring — where you and your opponent stand.
Counter-punching: Fighting primarily by responding to opponent attacks with counters.
Pressure fighter: A boxer who advances continuously, forcing the opponent against the ropes.
Out-boxer: A boxer who fights at distance, using footwork and jab to control range.
Slugger: A power-based fighter who accepts damage to land heavy shots.
Training Terms
Pad work: Training on focus pads held by a partner or coach.
Shadow boxing: Training without a bag or partner — developing technique and patterns against an imagined opponent.
Sparring: Controlled, live practice boxing with a training partner.
Southpaw: Left-hand dominant stance — see above.
Train at Killa Boxing Marrickville. First class free — book at kbf.pro.