Punches

Straight punches are foundational punches for both kickboxers and boxers alike. They include 1) the jab which is thrown from your lead hand, and 2) the cross (also known as a "straight") which is thrown from your more powerful rear hand. 

The jab is often used to start combinations, while the cross often follows the jab.

Straight punches can be thrown to the opponents head or to the center of the body.

Hooks are circular punches that involve hip rotation to generate power. They can be thrown from both hands to the opponents head or body.

The lead hook is more common and often follows the cross in combinations; it also puts your body in a good position to throw round kicks from the rear leg.

The lead hook to the body can be a damaging strike as it targets the liver - for this reason it's sometimes referred to as a "liver shot".

The uppercut is an upward traveling punch thrown from either hand. Uppercuts are thrown in closer range than straight punches and are often used with hooks in combinations.

Uppercuts can also be thrown to the head or the body.