Johnny’s Punching Combinations List

December 18, 2009 December 18, 2009 by Johnny N Boxing Strategy, Punch Combinations 39 Comments

Punching Combinations

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

 


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39 Comments

Rick Naz April 12, 2010 at 5:22 pm

Great! I’ll definitely use these.

Reply

idk May 18, 2010 at 3:56 am

really good

Reply

Hector Gil June 14, 2010 at 1:36 pm

Gonzo
would you please reply with the most effective ways to punch in shoe shine combinations

Reply

Johnny N June 14, 2010 at 7:07 pm

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?

Reply

C September 5, 2010 at 4:57 am

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

Reply

Johnny N September 6, 2010 at 4:07 pm

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!

Reply

Naren singh September 13, 2010 at 8:02 pm

great dude….. i’ll use them…….. Thanks for all ……..

Reply

Alex snowet November 6, 2010 at 3:20 pm

Blue wizard
8):D:-);-)8)8)8)

Reply

--- December 13, 2010 at 7:37 am

BOXING
6 IS THE OVERHAND RIGHT

Reply

--- December 13, 2010 at 7:41 am

BOXING
LEFT JAB RIGHT STRAIGHT LEFT HOOK RIGHT UPPERCUT LEFT UPPERCUT BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT)

Reply

peter December 21, 2010 at 2:02 am

this is nice

Reply

TJ February 5, 2011 at 8:35 pm

im orthodox. what’s the best combo for a bigger person?

Reply

Johnny N February 6, 2011 at 4:52 am

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.

Reply

shubham February 15, 2011 at 4:25 pm

awesome
8)8);-);-)thery are really cool.but how long it requires in a punching bag for a better workout

Reply

Johnny N February 17, 2011 at 12:39 pm

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.

Reply

ROBERT DELA CRUZ February 23, 2011 at 11:26 am

BOXING
6 IS THE BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT)

Reply

Johnny N February 23, 2011 at 2:02 pm

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.

Reply

Gonzo March 11, 2011 at 4:36 am

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

Reply

Johnny N March 12, 2011 at 6:40 am

@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.

Reply

lutufyo sanga April 10, 2011 at 10:11 pm

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!!!!!!!!

Reply

Johnny N April 11, 2011 at 9:56 am

@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.

Reply

May 13, 2011 at 6:33 am

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

Reply

May 13, 2011 at 6:38 am

During my 7 yrs laid off I did a lot of weights ,now I look like frankenstein hitting the bag?

Reply

Johnny N May 13, 2011 at 8:38 am

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.

Reply

May 13, 2011 at 2:46 pm

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

Reply

Johnny N May 16, 2011 at 11:53 am

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.

Reply

avinash June 10, 2011 at 12:33 am

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….

Reply

Johnny N June 10, 2011 at 8:10 pm

@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.

Reply

ROBERT DELACRUZ January 12, 2012 at 2:20 pm

1-6-3-2 JAB BEAT DOWN (OVERHAND RIGHT) LEFT HOOK RIGHT STRAIGHT

Reply

jose January 15, 2012 at 10:57 am

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

Reply

Johnny N January 17, 2012 at 9:27 am

If you make it work, it’s a good strategy.

Reply

Matty B February 4, 2012 at 10:01 am

love the site.

Reply

Mike February 10, 2012 at 2:28 pm

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:)

Reply

Johnny N February 14, 2012 at 3:30 am

Thank you brother.

Reply

spyrosk February 11, 2012 at 7:47 am

keep up the good articles Johny, and thanks for sharing your knowlegde!!

Reply

Danny April 9, 2012 at 10:16 am

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

Reply

Johnny N April 9, 2012 at 6:31 pm

It shows under punches. “b” = body, so 6b means right uppercut to the body.

Reply

Faith May 11, 2012 at 12:19 pm

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

Reply

Johnny N May 17, 2012 at 8:13 am

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.

Reply

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