Boxing Padwork Basics: Punches
Boxing classes typically require that boxers pair up with a partner and practice combinations together. Beginners can find the experience daunting, especially when it comes to calling out specific punches for padwork or similar drills. This post is a basic guide for those who wish to improve upon their padwork skills.
Padwork Stance:
Orthodox Stance (Southpaws reverse ‘left’ and ‘right’):
Stand with the feet shoulder width apart.
Step the right foot back.
Turn the heels to 45 degrees.
Bend the knees.
Both hands low or in front of the face.
Palms turned inward.
If the boxer is in the opposite stance to you, change your stance to match theirs.
Padwork for Punches:
Jab
Say ‘jab’.
Show a front-facing target with the lead hand.
Give back in a forward ‘slapping’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Cross
Say ‘cross’.
Show a front-facing target with the rear hand.
Give back in a forward ‘slapping’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Lead Hook
Say ‘hook’.
Show a sideways target with the lead hand.
Give back in a sideways ‘slapping’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Rear Hook
Say ‘hook’.
Show a sideways target with the rear hand.
Give back in a sideways ‘slapping’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Lead Uppercut
Say ‘uppercut’ or ‘upper’.
Show a downward target with the lead hand.
Give back a downward ‘slamming’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Rear Uppercut
Say ‘uppercut’ or ‘upper’.
Show a downward target with the lead hand.
Give back in a downward ‘slamming’ motion as the boxer punches.
Return to stance.
Common Mistakes
Always showing the targets.
Targets too low / too high / too wide.
Passively receiving punches.
Slamming too hard.
Giving no instructions.
Giving unclear, mistimed or wrong instructions.
Confusing body language.
‘Correcting’ what doesn’t need correcting.
Moving in the same direction all the time.
Working harder than the boxer themselves.
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