The Punch Number System 1-6 Explained

In boxing and kickboxing, there are several different punches and punch combinations that you can throw. In order to keep things systemized, the majority of boxers and boxing coaches will use a number system to help with overall consistency. Each different type of punch is given a specific number. When first learning to box, it can be confusing, but FightCamp is here to help you every PUNCH of the way.

Today, FightCamp Trainer Aaron Swenson will go over the punch number system that you will use for all FightCamp boxing and kickboxing classes. The six (6) main boxing punches are numbered 1 through 6. He will also give you some tips for how to properly execute each punch so you’ll be ready to go for your first boxing workout!

Before You Begin…

• Odd numbered punches are thrown with your lead hand

• Even numbered punches are thrown with your rear hand

• To figure out which hand is your lead and which is your rear, you need to first determine your proper boxing stance

Boxing Punch Number System

1. Jab

2. Cross

3. Lead Hook

4. Rear Hook

5. Lead Uppercut

6. Rear Uppercut

Let's break it down to a few key things that you want to think about while throwing each punch.

Jab | 1

Legs

• Start on the ball of your rear foot with your weight on your rear leg

• The amount of weight you can transfer from your rear to your lead leg determines the power of the jab

  • All of your punching power comes from your legs

• As you throw the jab, push off your rear leg and transfer your weight forward

Arms/Hands

• Your elbow should remain tight to your body, perpendicular to the ground

• As you throw the punch, “snap” it by turning over your wrist

• Contact should be made with your top two big knuckles

• As you retract the punch, pull your hand straight back towards your face, in a defensive guard

  • This is effectively known as “chambering” your punches

  • Bring your hands straight back with your elbows tucked into your body

Cross | 2

Legs

• Start on the ball of your rear foot with your weight on your rear leg

• The amount of weight you can transfer from your rear to your lead leg determines the power of the cross

  • Focus on pivoting your rear foot to help transfer your weight forward

  • All of your punching power comes from your legs

• As you throw the cross, push off your rear leg and transfer your weight forward

Arms/Hands

• Your elbow should remain tight to your body, perpendicular to the ground

  • The closer your elbow stays to the midline of your body during the punch, the more power your cross will have

• As you throw the punch, “snap” it by turning over your wrist

  • Your shoulders should rotate to help maximize punch power

• Contact should be made with your top two big knuckles

• As you retract the punch, pull your hand straight back towards your face, in a defensive guard, chambering your punch

  • Bring your hands straight back with your elbows tucked into your body

Lead Hook | 3

Legs

• Start with approximately 70% of your weight on your lead foot

• As your throw the punch and follow through, shift your weight backward to your rear foot

  • Focus on pivoting your lead foot to help maximize the weight transfer backward

  • All of your punching power comes from your legs and torso rotation

  • Weight transfer = power

Key tip: If you were to pause your punch mid-throw, can you lift your lead leg off ground?

• If not, focus on proper weight transfer to maximize power

Arms/Hands

• From your guard, start executing the punch by bringing your lead hand about one foot outside of the midline and your target (towards your lead side)

  • Your hand should still be semi-perpendicular to the ground

  • From here, “pop” your elbow upward so it is parallel to the ground

• Shift your weight backward and rotate your upper torso to follow through on the punch

Key coaching cue: Think of punching “around” your opponent during the hook

• Give yourself about one foot of space, performing a “semi-circle” while executing the punch

• The punch finishes at the midline of your body with your top two knuckles making contact

  • Both palms down and thumbs up are okay for punching contact

Rear Hook | 4

Legs

• Start with approximately 70% of your weight on the ball of your rear foot

• As you throw your punch, follow through and shift your weight forward to your lead foot

  • Focus on pivoting your rear foot to help maximize the weight transfer forward

  • All of your punching power comes from your legs and torso rotation

  • Weight transfer = power

Arms/Hands

• From your guard, start executing the punch by bringing your rear hand about one foot outside of the midline and your target (towards your rear side)

  • Your hand should still be semi-perpendicular to the ground

  • From here, “pop” your elbow upward so it is parallel to the ground

• Shift your weight forward and rotate your upper torso to follow through on the punch

• Once your punch has landed, “chamber” your hand back into your guard

Lead Uppercut | 5

Legs

• Start the punch sequence by bending your knees and dropping your center of gravity

  • The majority of your weight should be on your lead leg

• As you execute the punch, explode upwards

• Your power is generated from the quadricep of your lead leg

Arms/Hands

• Your hands start in your boxing guard

• As you start to throw your punch, drop your lead hand about one foot to waistline height

• As you explode upwards, land your punch with your arm perpendicular to the floor

  • Your palm should be making contact facing yourself

  • As soon as your punch lands, your hands return back to your guard

• Focus on exploding upwards and rotating your shoulder to generate power for your lead uppercut

• Your punch should land square on your target at the midline of your body

Rear Uppercut | 6

Legs

• Start the punch sequence by bending your knees and dropping your center of gravity

• The majority of your weight should be on your rear leg

• As you the execute punch and explode upwards

• Your power is generated from the quadricep of your rear leg

  • Make sure to pivot your rear leg as you throw your punch to maximize the upward momentum for better power

Arms/Hands

• Your hands start in your boxing guard

• As you start to throw your punch, drop your rear hand about one foot to waistline height

• As you explode upwards, land your punch with your arm perpendicular to the floor

  • Your palm should be making contact facing you

  • As soon as your punch lands, your hands return back to your guard

• Focus on exploding upwards and rotating your shoulder to generate power for your rear uppercut

• Your punch should land square on your target at the midline of your body

Practice Makes Perfect

That right there is the basic boxing punch number system. The more you practice, the more second nature it will become. That way, when you check out our on-demand classes and the instructors are calling out numbers, you’ll be all set to follow their lead on the heavy bag or while shadowboxing!

If you like this step-by-step instruction, download the FREE FightCamp App and try the Level 1 Kickboxing Path, where Trainer Aaron Swenson walks you through technique, tutorial, and workouts to start your kickboxing journey with proper form and foundational skills.