Before you begin a boxing training program there are a few things you should know. The most basic of all is the boxer’s stance or on guard position.

You want to face your opponent at a 45 degree angle as you see demonstrated in the photo. This makes you a harder target to hit.

Your knees should be slightly bent and your rear foot should be an inch or two off of the floor for balance and as a shock absorber.

If you are right handed you will lead with your left hand as I illustrate in this photo. Left handed individuals would lead with their right hand. Your power hand is always positioned behind the hand you lead or jab with.

Elbows should be tucked securely next to your rib-cage and both of your hands should be held high enough to protect your face. I teach new boxers to hold their hands next to their cheekbone for protection.  As you gain experience and learn to block and slip punches you can carry your hands a little lower.

The Left Hook

The left hook is one of the most devastating punches in the sport of boxing. When it is thrown correctly and lands squarely on an opponets chin a knockout often occurs.

To execute the punch  shift your weight to your left side, the left elbow is brought up almost parallel to the floor so that the arm forms A hook shape (note illustration in photo);  your left palm should be facing your face, pivot on the ball of your left foot and spin heal outward while your left leg and torso turn sharply to the right.

Punch through your target. We have video that teaches you how to throw a left hook in our members section.

The Right Cross

The straight right hand is thrown immediately after the left jab. It is more commonly referred to as the right cross. As you bring your left hand back to guard your face you release the right hand . As the punch lands you will twist your right foot to increase the power of the blow. This is the classic one-two punch combination. Notice how the right side of Timmy’s chin is covered with his shoulder to protect himself against a counter left hook being thrown by his opponent. You can view videos demonstrating all of the boxing techniques we've taught amateur and professional boxers for over twenty years in our members section of the site. There is a huge library of boxing and exercise videos to help you get in shape or to learn how to box also. 

The Upper-Cut

The upper-cut is the most dangerous punch to throw in the sport of boxing because if done incorrectly you leave yourself open for a counter left hook.To throw a right uppercut, start in your boxing stance with the back (right) knee bent. Lower the right shoulder to drop the right side of the body in a semi-crouch position. Keep your left fist up by the chin to protect the head.

Lower the legs as you rotate the hips forward, push the ball of the back foot, (the right foot), and punch the right fist up towards the target.

Notice former professional boxer Timmy Miller as he lands the punch on the target I am holding.