Punch Numbering System in Boxing

This will be a short post about the punch numbering system in boxing. The numbering system can vary from coach to coach, gym to gym, but there is a standard way which most people learn when they first start boxing.

For the advanced boxer, here are short descriptions of selected and useful variations of the 2.

Part of landing a knockout punch requires, of course, power, but the other part of it requires timing.

Parrying is a defensive maneuver, where you swipe your opponent’s punch away.

An L-step is a distinctive step that boxers take to quickly move laterally. Moving laterally is necessary if you want to find more angles and openings for your shots.

Sometimes your straight gets blocked or parried too much. This can happen often if your opponent is used to a straight that comes down the pipe. If this does happen, then throwing an overhand straight can help you land your straight.

The last punches to learn are the uppercuts. An uppercut is a punch that is thrown upwards instead of straight ahead (jab and straight) or looping to a side (lead and rear hooks).

Being the second straight punch in a boxer’s arsenal, the straight is both fast and powerful. While the technique for a jab and hooks may vary depending on style, the technique for a straight requires more emphasis.