Trying something new can be a little nerve wrecking, especially when you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. Knowing how to move your body properly reduces the risk of injury. So, allow us to teach you a couple basic boxing combinations to get you started on your fitness journey!
Jab: First, set your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with the foot opposite of your dominate hand in front. Raise your fists to protect your face. Step forward with your front foot and extend the same side of the body’s hand forward with control, rotating palm to face down. Quickly step back and snap your left arm back to the starting position. Be sure to keep your shoulders pressed down away from your ears and keep your elbows tucked in at the sides of your ribcage. Avoid leaning forward because you may lose your balance.
Cross: First, set your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with the foot opposite of your dominate hand in front. Raise your fists to protect your face. Rotate your right hip forward and pivot on your right foot until your heel comes off the ground, shifting weight forward and extending your right arm forward to punch, rotating your palm to face down. Quickly snap your right fist back to your face. This will be the opposite if you’re left-handed. Make sure to rotate your back foot and avoid leaning forward or letting your guard down.
Hook: First, set your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with the foot opposite of your dominate hand in front. Raise your fists to protect your face. Bend your left arm at a 90-degree angle and swing as if punching someone in the jaw. Pivot so that your knee and hips face to the right. When throwing a rear-hand hook (that’s right hand for righties; left for lefties), pivot the back of the heel when throwing the punch. Remember to rotate your hips for power, and don’t wind up too far back—you don’t want your opponent to see what’s coming.
Uppercut: First, set your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with the foot opposite of your dominate hand in front. Raise your fists to protect your face. Rotate your right hip forward, pivot on ball of your right foot, loop and swing your right hand up as if punching someone in the chin. Protect your chin with your left hand throughout the movement. Don’t pivot your rear foot when throwing an uppercut with your lead hand—that’s your left hand if you’re a righty. Don’t make a scooping motion with your arm, and don’t swing further than nose level. All the power should come from the rotation of your hips during the swing of the throw.
With these basic tools and the guidance from an experienced trainer, you’ll be boxing with ease in no time! Level Red Boxing offers a range of classes for every level of boxer. Our team leaders provide top notch demonstrations and offer hands on training to help you reach your fitness goals. Join the team today and prove that you are strong at any level!
