Boxing technique glossary

The words are short. The details are not.

A plain-English reference for the terms you hear in a gym or see in a training plan. Read one, then give it a round.

Remember: definitions vary between gyms and coaches. Use this as orientation, not as a substitute for instruction.

ShadowCoach giving live boxing form feedback

A cue is useful when it changes the next movement.

Punches

Jab

The lead-hand straight punch

Usually the quickest way to touch range, set rhythm or make a reaction. Recover the hand and stance before the next idea.

Cross

The rear-hand straight punch

Drive from the floor and rotate without falling over the front foot. The rear hand returns as the hips settle.

Hook

A compact curved punch

Turn the body together rather than swinging the arm wide. Keep the elbow and wrist aligned with your coach’s guidance.

Uppercut

A short punch up the middle

Use the legs and torso, not a dropped hand. It needs a close range and a controlled recovery.

Defence and movement

Slip is a small head movement off the centre line. Roll bends the knees and moves under a hook. Cover uses the guard to protect while you recover. A pivot changes your angle without crossing the feet. The shared skill is returning to a position where you can see and act.

Practise one term

Choose one word, set a short round and remove everything else. ShadowCoach recognises common punches and can provide cues about guard, pace and movement, but the app does not decide whether a movement is safe for your body.

Put the glossary into motion

Generate a simple combination, then practise it slowly enough to notice the recovery.

Generate a combination →