Beginner Boxing Combos

If you’re new to boxing, learning basic combinations (combos) is one of the fastest ways to improve. Combos help you build rhythm, coordination, cardio, and—most importantly—good habits.

This article is written for true beginners: no jargon overload, no complicated setups. Just clear, effective boxing combos you can practice at home or in the gym.

Boxing Combos and The 4 Basic Punches

A boxing combo is a sequence of punches thrown one after another without stopping. Instead of thinking punch by punch, you think in flows.

Example: “Jab → Cross” instead of “Jab… stop… Cross”

Before combos, let’s align on punch numbers (this is standard boxing notation):

Jab – Lead hand, straight punch
Cross – Rear hand, straight punch
Lead Hook – Lead hand, horizontal
Rear Hook – Rear hand, horizontal

If you’re orthodox (left foot forward): Jab = left hand, Cross = right hand. If you’re southpaw, it’s reversed.

If you are not familiar with the different punches, check out our boxing fundamentals guides.

Beginner Boxing Combos

Combo #1: Jab – Cross (1–2)

This is the most important combo in boxing, and used very commonly.

Why it matters:

Builds balance and coordination
Teaches hip and shoulder rotation
Foundation for all future combos
Ends with a powerful cross, perfect for actual combat

How to throw it:

Snap the jab straight out
Rotate hips and shoulders into the cross
Bring both hands back to guard

Beginner tip: clean technique matters more than speed.

Combo #2: Jab – Cross – Jab (1–2–1)

A great combo to build rhythm and range control.

Why it’s great:

Keeps you active
Trains fast hand recovery
Perfect for shadowboxing

Key focus:

Light, fast jabs
No need for power on the last jab

Combo #3: Jab – Cross – Lead Hook (1–2–3)

Your first combo with a rotational punch. Perfect to bypass your opponent’s guard.

What you learn:

Weight transfer
Proper hook mechanics
Staying balanced while rotating

Common mistake: Swinging the hook too wide. Keep it short, tight, and controlled.

Combo #4: Jab – Lead Hook – Cross (1–3–2)

This combo feels awkward at first, which is exactly why beginners should practice it.

Why it’s important:

Breaks predictable patterns
Improves coordination
Teaches punch transitions

Pro tip: Slow it down at first. Speed comes naturally later.

Combo #5: Double Jab – Cross (1–1–2)

Simple, effective, and very realistic. The jab disrupts, and you end with a powerful cross.

Why it works:

First jab measures distance
Second jab distracts
Cross lands with better timing

Beginner focus: First jab light, second jab sharper.

How to Practice These Combos as a Beginner

Shadow boxing is a great option. You can practice it on your own or with a boxing app. If you’re not sure which one to pick, you can check our list of the best boxing apps for 2026.

2 to 3 rounds of 2 minutes
One combo per round, with some isolated punches
Focus on form, breathing, and balance

Heavy bag:

Start slow
Reset your stance after each combo
Exhale on every punch

Mental rule: If your guard drops, slow down.

How Many Combos Should You Learn?

Five combos are enough to start.

Mastering a few basics beats knowing many poorly. Once these feel natural, you can add:

Body shots
Head movement
Speed and intensity
Uppercuts

There is virtually an infinite number of combos, the goal is to be able to have a few ones committed to muscle memory, and then be able to improvise. To get there, you can also practice with an app like The Shadow Boxing App that will call out combos.

Final Advice

Boxing isn’t about hitting hard. It’s about flow, balance, and consistency.

Practice these beginner combos regularly and you’ll feel progress quickly, even without a coach.

Smooth first. Fast later. Powerful last. 🥊