What is the best way to practice combinations? Looking at how coaches teach combinations may offer some clues. As it happens, there are two methods:

1) Layering

2) Stacking

Layering is easier than Stacking. However, both methods will add variety to your training.

Layering

Layering is when you begin with one move, repeat it to check its technique, add a second move, repeat the first and the second together to check their technique, add a third move, and so on.

This repeating, checking and adding process may continue indefinitely or stop when the desired combination is achieved.

For example, say the desired combination is Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross. Layering this combination will work like this:

1. Jab: 5-10 repetitions

2. Jab-Cross: 5-10 repetitions

3. Jab-Cross-Hook: 5-10 repetitions

4. Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross: 5-10 repetitions

This is an intuitive way to practice because only one new move is added at a time, or only as many moves as our memory can handle.

Stacking

Stacking is when you practice one combination, then another separately, and then join the two together into a single, longer combination.

For example, say the first combination is Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross, and the second combination is Jab-Jab-Cross-Uppercut. Stacking these combinations would look like this:

First Combination:

• Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross: 5-10 repetitions

Second Combination:

• Jab-Jab-Cross-Uppercut: 5-10 repetitions

Stacked Combinations:

• Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross-Jab-Jab-Cross-Uppercut: 5-10 repetitions

Stacking is more difficult than layering because while practicing the second combination it is easy to forget the first. For this reason, it is wise to recap on the first combination before joining the two together.

Application

Layering and Stacking are methods coaches use to teach combinations. However, if you are training solo, you can still use these methods to practice combinations yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you are shadowboxing or hitting the heavy bag, begin with a single punch and add the layers or stack the combinations from there.

References:

Yoke, M. and Armbruster, C., (2014) Methods of Group Exercise Instruction, 3rd Ed, Human Kinetics.

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