Punch Combinations and Movement

Punch coding keeps mitt work and shadowboxing honest. Call the number, throw the shot, then move.

These combinations are for programming. Use them on pads, bags, and shadowboxing rounds. Pair them with the five defensive principles.

Basic punch coding

Keep the wrist straight at the top of the punch.

Straights (thumb down)

• 1 = jab
• 1b = jab to the body
• 2 = straight cross
• 2b = straight cross to the body

Hooks (thumb up)

• 3 = lead hook
• 4 = rear hook (overhand or shovel hook from longer range)

Uppercuts (pinky in)

• 5 = lead uppercut
• 6 = rear uppercut

Body hooks (thumb up)

• 7 = lead body hook
• 8 = rear body hook

Mid-section body shots (thumb out)

• 9 = lead body shot to the mid-section
• 10 = rear body shot to the mid-section

Named combinations for pad work

• Drive: 1-1-2
• Reverse: 2-1-2
• All-Forward: 1-2-3-2
• Close: 2-3-6-3
• Shoeshine: 9-10-9-10

P = power shot. B = body. F = feint.

Combination list

• 1-1-2P
• 1-3-1
• 1-2-3-7 F
• 1-1-2
• 1-7-8-6
• 1-1-1b-3-2P
• 2-1-2P
• 1-3-2
• 1-2-3-7-3
• 2-2B-3
• 1-2-7
• 1-1-6-3-2
• 1-1B-2P
• 3-2-3
• 1-2-1-1-2P
• 1-1-4
• 1-2-1-2P
• 1B-F 1B-1-2P
• 1-2-3
• 1-2-1-2B
• 1-2-7-8-7-6
• 1-7-5
• 2-2P-3-2P
• 2-3-2-7-8-5
• 2-8-4
• 2-8-6
• 1-2-9-10-5
• 1-3-3P
• 3-5-3-2P
• 1-10-9-6

Add movement before and after the exchange. Do not stand in the pocket and admire the work.

Basic counters

• 1, slip off the jab, 1-2
• Pull, 2
• 1-2, pull off the 2, 2
• Slip to set up the 2, then 2-3
• 1-2-3, slip or pull off the 3, 3
• Slip to set up the 3, then 3-2
• 1-2, roll and step, 2-3-2
• Parry, 1-2
• 1-2-3, pivot off the 3, 2-3-2
• Step back, side step, 1-2
• 1-2, step back, step in, 1-2
• Split the jab (head or body)

Range

There are three ranges, and they change all round. Footwork and head movement manage the distance.

1. Outside range — more space. Use the jab to find them. Taller boxers like this range.
2. Mid-range — the danger zone. Either person can touch. Stay defensively responsible and change position.
3. Inside range — shorter boxers often want this. Open the stance slightly (hips about 45 degrees) to defend side body shots. Keep your head off line. You can turn the opponent and get outside their hip.

How we use this in the gym

Do not rush the numbers. Feel the mechanics, correct yourself, then raise the pace. When you are ready to train it live, book a session or complete intake if you are new. Packages are on Training.