
The one and only – ExpertBoxing’s complete list of punching combinations for boxers. This is just a list of combinations only.
It’s not about what punches you throw, it’s how you throw the punches. A basic 1-2 punch combination becomes very deadly when you mix in some variations differing in speed, angle, footwork, timing, and power.
If you need further explanation as to why and how you throw these combinations, please see my other articles on punch combinations.
For counter-punching routines, please click here.
Mix & Match and Enjoy! (Last Updated 2/8/12)
Punch Legend
Each number below represents a punch. (Combinations are for orthodox fighters. There is a small section for southpaws below.)
Punches
1 = jab
2 = right hand
3 = left hook
4 = right hook (or overhand right)
5 = left uppercut
6 = right uppercut
b = body (example: 1b = jab to the body)
Defense
[] = blocking
() = rolling
{} = rolling under
// = slipping or lean away from
<> = pivot away from
Movement
p/pccw = almost all pivots are on the front foot (“p” means pivot clockwise on the frontfoot, pccw means pivot counter-clockwise on the front foot)
bp = backfoot pivot. very rarely used (bpccw means pivot counter-clockwise off your backfoot)
ls/rs = leftstep and rightstep. self-explanatory
bs = backstep (example: 1bs means you backstep as you throw the jab, 1-bs means you backstep AFTER you throw the jab)
f = fake (example: 1f-3 means to fake a jab to the head, and then throw a left hook right after)
t = tap (example: 1t-2 means to throw a light tap jab, followed by a right cross)
sl/sr = slip left, slip right (example: 1-sl-3 means jab, then slip left, then left hook. 1sr-2 means jab as you slip to the right and throw a right hand after)
To use the punching combinations listed below, simply chain the combos in this order:
starter > ender OR starter > combo > ender
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Common Punching Combinations
Most commonly used punching combinations inside the boxing ring. (These combinations are complete as is, no need to pick a starter or ender for these.)
1-1
1-1-2
1-2
1-2-1
1-2-1-2
1-2-3-2
1-6-3-2
Starters
These sequences are commonly used to start off your combinations. You are also welcome to start off a combination with a counter-punch. To look up counter-punches, please look up this guide: xxxx
1
1-2
1-6b
2-1
Advanced Combinations
Highly advanced punching combinations that require advanced movement and highly coordinated punching skills.
1-bs-1
1-bs-1-2
In-Fighting
Punching combinations for use up close or when in the clinch.
6-5-2-1p
6-3
6-3p
4b-3b-2-1-2
rs-5
1-2-3b-pivot-4b-4-1
1-4b-3b-6-1
Tricky Starters
Used these combinations to open up highly defensive opponents as you confuse and penetrate their defenses.
1-3-2
1b-2
1-2b
1-2b-3
4-1b
4b-6-3-2 (works best in close range)
bs-2
1f-3
6-2
2-2
1t-2
1t-2t-3
Power Enders
End your punching combinations with these punches to do the most damage to your opponent. Ending with these punch combinations may leave you vulnerable to a counter-punch so beware!
1p-2
Evasive Enders
End your punching combinations with these punch series to get you out of harms way safely.
1p
1b-bs
4bpccw (pivot ccw off the backfoot as you throw a right hook)
3p
2-p-2
Punch Combos for Orthodox Against Southpaws (left-handers):
2-2-1bs
1-2b
2-rs-2-1-2b
2-1-2b
1-1-2b-3
Punch Combos for Southpaws Against Orthodox Boxers
1-2
2-2
2-3-2
2-3-2b
1-1-2b-3
6-1-2
6b-6-2-1
2-1-1-6-1
Evasive Combos
1-2-/1/-2
1-2-/1/-2-3-2
1-2-{3}-2
1-2-{3}-/2/-3-2
1-2-{3}-3-2-3
1-2-3-{2}-3-2
1-/1/-2-1-1
1-/1/-2-3-2





















39 Comments
Great! I’ll definitely use these.
really good
Gonzo
would you please reply with the most effective ways to punch in shoe shine combinations
shoe shine combinations
Sorry Hector,
I didn’t understand your request. You want to learn how to throw faster flashy combinations? Are you asking for techniques or the exact punches to be used?
Can u put how to counter and defend that chart u just named
off cuz if I throw a combination and he cou ters I wanna know how
to either defend or recounter is offense like if I throw 1-2-3 then
he slips and counters now me being back on defense show should
I do to counter is offense is there sequences
C
I’ll have to write a lot of articles about common counters and punches to watch out for. Because it’s too much information, I won’t put them here but I’ll definitely be writing about it soon!
great dude….. i’ll use them…….. Thanks for all ……..
Blue wizard
8):D:-);-)8)8)8)
BOXING
6 IS THE OVERHAND RIGHT
BOXING
LEFT JAB RIGHT STRAIGHT LEFT HOOK RIGHT UPPERCUT LEFT UPPERCUT BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT)
this is nice
im orthodox. what’s the best combo for a bigger person?
For bigger guys, use your footwork and lots of feints to get them to commit. Any combo with a back step or fake in there would be very good for you.
1-2-backstep-2
1-2-1p, and also 1-2-1p-2
1-2b or 1-1-2b or 1-1-2b-1p
when you’re being chased: 1-backstep-2
If it’s a short stocky guy, you use a lot of pivots. If it’s a taller guy, you’ll need more feints.
awesome
8)8);-);-)thery are really cool.but how long it requires in a punching bag for a better workout
For a good heavy bag workout, you only need 3 rounds of 3 minutes each with 1 minute rest in between. During the last 30 seconds, try to punch as fast as you can non-stop at the bag–throw just left-right-left-right-left-right.
BOXING
6 IS THE BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT)
Yes it is, Robert. Depending on who taught you and whichever way you prefer it. Some people don’t even call out overhands, they just feed you the mitt in a way that calls out for it.
inside fighting – shoe shine
Yes, please show proper inside fighting shoe shine. For instance: 1-1-2 your way in and…
3b-4b-3b dip left
3b-4b-3b-4 dip right
4b-3b-4-3 dip left
5b-4 dip right 4
Thank you.
Gonzo
Hector Gil
@Gonzo – watch Sugar Ray Leonard vs Marvelous Marvin Hagler. THOSE are perfect shoeshine combinations! Some of them are pure headshots, others start at the bottom and work their way up to headshots.
walterweight boxer
i do appreciate online you training you provide cause most of we boxers from subsaharan africa we dont have skilled and critical trainers, this cause most of fighters to lose in international games. so through your programmes i wish i will be the best and make others best. thank you!!!!!!!!
@lutufyo sanga – that is very unfortunate to hear and I’m honored to be able to help any way that I can. I wish you and your teammates the best of luck.
thanks for the website,I’ve studying for the last couple of days.I’m just getting back in the ring after 7yrs and having issues with ring rust.I was an avid boxer once upon a time.any advise on building a good foundation? I’m not as agile as before
During my 7 yrs laid off I did a lot of weights ,now I look like frankenstein hitting the bag?
Just work it slow. Shadowbox slow. Hit the heavybag slow. Spar REALLLLY slow. You’ll be back in no time. I have to deal with ringrust every time I’m away for more than 2 weeks. It sucks but with a little confidence, it comes back every time.
Whats a good instense boxing workout regiment, without overtaining?my primary goal is to focus on technique for now.but, how should I mix roadwork, and with atleast one.day of plyo weight s with out overtrain ing. Sucks I burn myself now probably gonna need a week or two to recover.thanks
Intense boxing workout coming very VERY soon. The only way to make sure it’s not over-training is for you to know when to stop yourself. Increase the pace slowly.
brain damage???
great article and blog man!!!
i want to know if boxing below 18 will actually affect my brain even a bit???
i go for punching big bags in the gym….will it affect my brain???
i am 17 and 5’11” in height….
@avinash – If you take hard hits to your head everyday, yes…I’m sure there will be some longterm damage even if just a little. You don’t have to be knocked out to suffer a concussion. I wish I had more expertise in this area but I don’t.
1-6-3-2 JAB BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT) LEFT HOOK RIGHT STRAIGHT
i kinda swing my body into every punch ..most of them smoothly without using too much energy..only ones i do use alot of energy are left hooks.. do you think thats a good strategy.. im very quick and slick but not very strong or stiff..so im always using my feet in my punches ..and i throw snap punches and after every combo i jump away(not literally jump but smoothly manuver out ) i dont weigh much either I weight 125
If you make it work, it’s a good strategy.
love the site.
Your passion for boxing and love for sweet science is inspiring and very up lifting:)You are a man with the vision,dream and all the tools to make them come true….persistence,patience,determination and will:)Thank you for contributing to the sport and for helping others to become Champions in the ring and outside of it:)With respect,best luck to you…Mike:)
Thank you brother.
keep up the good articles Johny, and thanks for sharing your knowlegde!!
In your combination list you refer to under starters a 1-6b but under your legend there is nothing for a plain b could you help with this thank you
It shows under punches. “b” = body, so 6b means right uppercut to the body.
Hey Johnny,
Just to clarify, is 2 (“right hand”) just a cross jab? Or is there something I missed?
Also, do you have any combinations that include corkscrews? I know that’s traditionally only used as a block hit when dealing with an under trained fighter or a street fighter who throws wild punches, but it would be cool to see some ways to put a left, right, or even double corkscrew into a combination.
Thanks!
-Faith
The #2 punch is a right cross. By default, it’s a much harder punch than a jab. As for corkscrews, all straight boxing punches are typically corkscrew punches by default. I am assuming that by “corkscrew”, you mean the fist to be rotated to land with the palm facing down at the floor.