10 Boxing Combos to Close Off Distance

Key points

• Step to the right at a 45-degree angle with the rear foot while extending a lead jab
• Advance the left foot forward into the pocket while throwing a committed straight right hand
• Keep the chin tucked and follow up with a driving double jab to chase retreating opponents

Common mistakes

Stepping straight forward in a linear path directly into the opponent's jab range.

Key points

• Post with a lead jab against the opponent's lead glove to draw their right hand
• Slip your head outside their incoming cross by bending the knees and dipping the lead shoulder
• Drive upward through the legs into a left hook to the liver followed by a short lead uppercut

Common mistakes

Bending at the waist rather than using knee flex and hip rotation on the slip.

Key points

• Throw a measuring jab directly at the opponent's rear guard
• Slip the head just off the center line to the inside as they release their jab
• Loop the overhand right tightly over their shoulder, transferring weight from back to front

Common mistakes

Leaning your head forward and remaining on the centerline while throwing the overhand.

Key points

• Bait the opponent's jab and slip your head slightly inside toward their chest line
• Immediately pivot on the lead ball of the foot without pausing in the pocket
• Snap the lead left hook with a horizontal or vertical fist across their chin

Common mistakes

Hesitating after the slip, exposing yourself directly to the opponent's trailing straight right hand.

Key points

• Land a solid 1-2 upstairs early to force the opponent's guard high
• Pump both hands and feint the rear cross to elicit an upward flinch
• Step forward in a synchronized 1-2 footwork cadence and rip the left hook into the exposed liver

Common mistakes

Throwing the body shot from too far outside without taking penetrating micro-steps.

Key points

• Deliver a firm jab to the eyes or high guard to fix the opponent's vision
• Pull the lead hand back only halfway, pumping it forward to sell the fake
• Step in, drop your hips, and thrust the jab straight into the body

Common mistakes

Retracting the lead hand completely back to the chin, which slows down the follow-up body penetration.

Key points

• Land an initial hard jab to the solar plexus or midsection
• Drop your hips and take an assertive forward entry step to mimic another low strike
• Drive off the rear foot and loop a heavy overhand right over their lowered lead glove

Common mistakes

Telegraphing the overhand by pulling the rear arm back before planting the lead foot.

Key points

• Drop elevation to sell the downward attack fake
• Push off both calves into a forward leaping shuffle toward the opponent
• Drive the left hook through the jaw and immediately lock the lead arm into a clinch

Common mistakes

Jumping too high in the air rather than sliding aggressively forward across the canvas.

Key points

• Throw the lead jab directly toward the opponent's guard
• Hook over their lead forearm, pulling downward or pinning their wrist momentarily
• Angle off slightly to the left with small micro-steps to fire a clean cross through the opening

Common mistakes

Over-reaching with the hook and leaning off balance over the lead knee.

Key points

• Throw the jab and loop the rear hand downward over the opponent's lead wrist
• Step the trail foot laterally to the right to open an advantageous striking angle
• Plant and twist into a devastating lead hook directly underneath their elbow into the ribs

Common mistakes

Walking straight in instead of stepping the rear foot out to create the rotational hip load.