How are boxing coaches able to command multiple punch combinations while seeming to say little to nothing at all?

Unless they are working on a fixed routine, the answer is through the intelligent use of verbal and non-verbal cues. This post will be about the verbal cues.

Basic Padwork

At a basic level, a coach may call out single techniques:

1. Jab

2. Cross

3. Hook

4. Uppercut

5. Slip

6. Roll

7. Block

In order to call out a combination, the coach will need to say the name of each punch:

1. Jab, Cross

2. Jab, Jab, Cross

3. Jab, Jab, Cross, Left Hook

This provides clarity and allows a coach to focus on the quality of each technique. However, the problem is that when it comes to longer combinations, the instructions can become a mouthful.

For example, try to say the following as quickly as possible:

1. Jab, Cross, Left Hook, Right Uppercut

2. Double Jab, Cross, Left Hook, Right Hook, Right Uppercut,

Intermediate Padwork

To solve this problem a coach may establish a set of combinations and call out only the first punch. For example:

1. Jab (followed by Cross, Hook)

2. Cross (followed by Hook, Cross)

3. Hook (followed by Cross, Uppercut)

4. Uppercut (followed by Hook, Cross)

The first word may be called out, and the rest will be implied from having established the combinations in a previous round.

This solves the problem of tongue twisters but creates a new problem: it becomes difficult to mix single punches and combinations because they share the same verbal cues.

Advanced Padwork

The problem of confusing cues may be solved by teaching a numbering system. For example:

1 = Jab
2 = Cross
3 = Lead Hook
4 = Rear Hook
5 = Lead Uppercut
6 = Rear Uppercut

To mix single punches and combinations, the coach may simply call out single or multiple numbers:

• 3

• 123

• 3 323

• 6 323 11

This makes instruction more economical. However, aside from making boxing sound like maths, a numbering system creates yet another problem: the punches develop while defensive techniques remain basic.

Highly Advanced Padwork

To improve defence, a coach may establish combinations beginning with head movement or blocks. These are known as counter-punch combinations, and form an essential part of Mayweather-style padwork:

1. Slip (232)

2. Roll In (323)

3. Roll Out (232)

4. Lean Back (232)

5. Block (232)

Again, only the first move is called out and the rest is implied from having established the combinations in a previous round.

To balance multiple punches with multiple defence, a coach may call out a series of defence techniques and the last in the sequence may cue the punches:

1. Slip, Slip (232)

2. Roll, Roll (323)

3. Slip, Slip, Roll (232)

4. Lean Back, Roll (232)

This creates a more balanced approach, improving both defence and punches. Single punches may also be mixed in by simply calling out the numbers.

Yet, this creates another problem: the verbal cues for defence may become too wordy.

And so the journey to better, more advanced padwork continues. I leave the solution to this problem for future coaches to solve.

The Future

The challenge for coaches will be to come up with more sophisticated ways of communicating combinations of punches, blocks, head movement, footwork, and perhaps even styles, to make their padwork more fun, engaging and rewarding.

Progression in padwork seems to be characterised by verbal cues short enough to be communicated quickly, and broad enough to cover a range of techniques and combinations.

If you are a coach and wish to take your padwork to the next level, perhaps a good place to start would be to write down all your verbal cues and brainstorm some new ones. Try to find intelligent ways to communicate, and aim to cue all types of techniques.

If you are a boxer, learning verbal cues may help you ‘chunk’ combinations so that they are more manageable, and hence improve your ability to throw punches in bunches.

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