1. A jab is a quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position.
2. The jab is accompanied by a small, clockwise rotation of the torso and hips, while the fist rotates 90 degrees, becoming horizontal upon impact.
3. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder is brought up to guard the chin.
4. The rear hand remains next to the face to guard the jaw.
5. After making contact with the target, the lead hand is retracted quickly to resume a guard position in front of the face.

The jab is the most important punch in a boxer’s arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counterpunch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent’s defenses, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power. Despite its lack of raw power, however, the jab is often considered to be the most important punch in boxing, usable not only for attack but also defense, as a good quick, stiff jab can interrupt a much more powerful punch, such as a hook or uppercut.

1. A powerful straight punch is thrown with the rear hand.
2. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line.
3. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin.
4. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin.
5. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated counter-clockwise as the cross is thrown.
6. Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight.

Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer is what gives the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counterpunch a jab, aiming for the opponent’s head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross can also follow a jab, creating the classic „one-two combo.“ The cross is also called a „straight“ or „right.“ The cross has been widely disputed as one of the most powerful, if not the single most powerful punch in the boxer’s arsenal.