How To Throw Boxing Jab & Cross Punches

In order to become a great boxer, or even a beginner trying to master the sweet science, it always comes down to the fundamentals. Once you can master the basics it makes it that much easier to get even more out of your at-home boxing workouts. You need to lay the groundwork and build a strong foundation before trying to build a house. The same goes with boxing and the fundamentals, especially of boxing technique. Like Manny Pacquiao once said, “If you work hard in training, the fight is easy.”

Today FightCamp Co-Founder and Trainer Tommy Duquette is going to break down step-by-step how to properly throw the Jab and the Cross, the two most basic punches in a boxer's arsenal. In fact, when Tommy started boxing, these were the only two punches he was allowed to throw during his first month of training. That's how important they are and why an emphasis on their technique should be mastered before moving on to more complex punch combinations and executions.

What Is The Punch Count Number System?

Before we get started, here is a quick review of the punch count number system. Basically, each different type of boxing punch is assigned a different number.

Punch Number System

1 - Jab

2 - Cross

3 - Lead Hook

4 - Rear Hook

5 - Lead Uppercut

6 - Rear Uppercut

Note: The punches taught by Tommy during this breakdown are performed from an Orthodox (right-handed boxer) fighting stance. The inverse would hold true for a southpaw (left-handed boxer). If you're unfamiliar with the proper stance for you, check out this YouTube video discussing the boxing stance basics.

The Jab | 1

The Jab is the most important punch in boxing. It sets you up for both offense and defense. The power for the Jab is generated from the ground up. The Jab is thrown in a straight line, from the point of origin, towards your target. Once thrown, you immediately bring your hands back to guard. Here’s how to execute it properly:

• From an Orthodox boxer’s stance, put your hands up in a guard and come into your fighting position

• Focus on pushing off the ball of your back (right foot) as you transfer your weight forward

• As the punch is thrown, focus on turning your knuckles over in mid-air, snapping your wrist, to get some extra “pop” on the punch

Key technique focus: As you throw the Jab, be sure to “tuck” your chin into your lead (left) shoulder, while simultaneously keeping your rear (right) hand up near the chin to block any counter punches and your rear (right) elbow tucked close to your body.

The Cross | 2

The Cross is very similar to a Jab and is used more so as a power punch. When you throw the Cross, focus on punching in a straight line, from your face to the target. Just as with the Jab, once you throw the Cross, you immediately bring your hands back to guard.

• From an Orthodox boxer’s stance, put your hands up in a guard and come into your fighting position

• Focus on pushing off the ball of your rear foot as you transfer your weight forward onto your lead foot

• As the punch is thrown, focus on turning your knuckles over in mid-air, snapping your wrist, to get some extra “pop” on the punch

Key technique focus: The trick to getting power on the Cross is to push off of your rear foot, as if you are squishing a bug on the ground and pivoting on your foot, transferring power to the lead leg, engaging the core and rotating the hips. Try to not lean forward when adding power to the punch. Instead, imagine a rod running from the ceiling to the ground, running right through your head (you cannot move forward/backward/side-to-side). To generate the power in the punch, focus on rotation and using your core and hips.

Punch Combination

Jab - Cross | 1 - 2 Punch Combo

As you progress on your boxing journey, you'll notice that punch combinations should flow logically, and the Jab - Cross (1 - 2) punch combo is the most basic and fundamental combo there is.

• From an Orthodox boxer’s stance, put your hands up in a guard and come into your fighting position

• As you throw the Jab, keep your weight on your rear (right) foot to load you up and save that as “ammo” (power) for your cross

• Make sure to immediately return your right hand back, in a straight line, to your face

• Now that you saved that punch power, focus on pushing off the ball of your rear foot as you transfer your weight forward onto your lead foot

• As the punch (Cross) is thrown, focus on turning your knuckles over in mid-air, snapping your wrist, to get some extra “pop” on the punch

• Practice the combo a few times slowly to perfect timing, technique, weight transfer, and power

Key technique focus: As you throw the Jab, you'll notice that it sets you up for a Cross combination. Be sure to “tuck” your chin into your right shoulder, while simultaneously keeping your lead (left) hand up near the chin to block any counter punches. Keep your lead (left) elbow tucked close to your body.

And there you have it! The Jab and the Cross punches in boxing: the two most important punches to learn and master when starting out, or honing the skills in becoming a master boxer! Practice these movements slowly in the mirror to fully nail the proper technique and do so as often as you need to.

Ready For More Boxing Training?

If you love these punch technique breakdowns and want to train with Tommy, be sure to join FightCamp and get ready to take your fighting skills to the next level!