Boxing Combination Guide: Easy Punch Combos for Every Fighter

If you want to land more hits and stay safe, the right combos are your secret weapon. A combination isn’t just throwing punches randomly – it’s a linked series that forces your opponent to react, gives you openings, and lets you control the pace. Below you’ll find simple combos to start with, plus a few advanced sequences when you’re ready to up the ante.

Basic Two‑Punch Combos

The first combo every boxer learns is the jab‑cross. It’s quick, it’s straight, and it sets up everything else. Throw a jab with your lead hand, then follow with a cross from the rear. Keep your elbows in and rotate your hips for power. Practice this for 2‑minute rounds, focusing on speed rather than strength.

Next, add a hook after the cross: jab‑cross‑lead hook. The hook works best when you pivot on your lead foot and keep the arm bent at about 90 degrees. This combination attacks the head from two angles, making it hard for the opponent to predict.

Another beginner combo is the jab‑rear uppercut. After the jab, drop your weight slightly and drive an uppercut straight up. The uppercut lifts the opponent’s guard, opening space for later punches. Do this on the bag, then try it in light sparring.

Advanced Multi‑Punch Sequences

When you feel comfortable with basics, stitch them together. A popular three‑punch combo is jab‑cross‑rear hook. The rear hook follows the cross, using the same rotation to add power without resetting your stance. It’s effective against opponents who drop their guard after a straight punch.

For a four‑punch combo, try jab‑cross‑lead hook‑rear uppercut. The uppercut finishes the sequence by targeting the chin while the opponent is still adjusting to the hook. This combo forces them to defend both sides and the top, creating a big opening.

Experienced fighters love the “double jab, cross, hook” combo: jab‑jab‑cross‑lead hook. The double jab narrows distance and blinds the opponent, then the cross lands with full weight transfer. Finish with a hook to catch the side guard.

To make any combo work, practice the footwork first. Step forward on the jab, pivot on the rear foot for the cross, and rotate the hips for hooks and uppercuts. Good footwork lets you stay balanced and avoid getting hit.

Remember to reset after each combo. Return to your guard, keep your chin down, and look for the next opening. Overtraining a single combo can make you predictable, so mix up the order and add feints.

Finally, test your combos on a heavy bag, then on a double‑end bag for timing, and finally in light sparring. Adjust the speed and power based on the opponent’s reactions. With consistent practice, these combos will become second nature, and you’ll see a clear boost in your fight performance.