I am regularly asked what are my favourite boxing combinations and it is a question I struggle to answer.
So in this video, I am going to use Ukrainian super fighter Vasyl Lomachenko to show you how applying some simple principles can lead to amazing outcomes.
I would much rather you focus on principles and patterns when it comes to boxing combinations so that you can construct your own in a logical and effective way. This is a much better approach than simply copying like a parrot a series of punches without understanding what’s going on ‘under the skin’.
The first point I want to make is that I do not view boxing combinations as a combination of punches, I view boxing combinations as a combination of skills. This is a key difference.
Viewing the combination as series of skills, not just punches but foot movements, body movements and defences, will deliver much more dynamic and effective boxing combinations.
Vasyl Lomachenko demonstrates this approach perfectly. Lomachenko uses punches, foot movements and body movements in the most brilliant way to attack the centre line and flank of the opponent whilst using only straight punches.
It goes a little like this:
- Straight back hand with a lead foot step across
- Pivot with a jab
- Back hand, jab, back hand whilst stepping forward.
Lomachenko also uses his jab as a fundamental and destructive part of his boxing combinations.
So the key takeaways for this video:
- Boxing combinations are combinations of skills, not just punches
- Think about ways of attacking centre line and flanks.
Please let me know your thoughts below, I really enjoy reading differing views on this type of boxing concept.
Cheers
Fran
by 
Dear Fran, hello from Turkey. I am an amateur in boxing. I was boxing when I was 16. For almost two years I tried to make the boxing as a part of my life. Then, I went to University and left my hometown. In those years, I forgot my boxing habits and discipline and began to alcohol, cigarette etc. They triggered my obsessions and I lost my focuses on my purpose and spirit. During almost 3.5 years, I have been struggled with psychological and mental collapses. Since last year I tried to return boxing, but I didn’t know where I’m gonna start. I found your channel with many others, of course. Nonetheless, your boxing style is simple, effective and clear that’s why I like your videos and teaching methods. You can tell complex techniques with a British(I guess) accent and as simple as you can. Love it! Thank you for willingness (: —By the way I’m better now. Thanks to quarantine period, I enjoyed to improve my boxing technic and I finally find my spirit and my focuses in the life.
Hi Musa
Sorry for your difficulties. The really important thing is that you are focused on you and your future, that is hugely positive. I’m very glad that the material I have produced has helped you get your journey back on the right path. Stay strong and good luck!
Hello, I have a question, how could you adapt the combo to orthodox and two do you pivot all the way like 90° or just a little, cause it seemed as though you couldnt pivot all the way because of the furniture?
Thanks in advance.
Hey Frank, thanks for the question. This is a situation where the 45 degree pivot works perfectly. It keeps the opponent in your strike zone for your straight shots. You could pivot 90 and use a lead hand hook as you pivot and then a back hand mid range hook at the end of the pivot…that’s a nice variation. I’ll do a video on that.
.
Coach,
Thanks for the video.
Interesting to remember that Lomo is a right hander who boxes southpaw – so this combo may be helpful if used with a stance-switch. This approach ameliorates the issue you shared on coming into the strike zone if you are using it against a similarly-stanced boxer (ortho v ortho or sp v sp). The breakdown of the footwork is helpful to show why he’s such a hard boxer to fight – he works the footwork “backwards”. Right hand left foot / left hand right foot. As an observation – I’m no expert – this seems to prioritise movement (especially unexpected movement) over pure power, which you are more likely to generate if you move the hip through footwork on the same side as the hand you are punching. Interested in your thoughts on the matter. Stay safe. Max
Hi Max, good point very well made. Agreed, Loma favours mobility over everything else – and it works. He’s not a single shot killer (body shots aside), but he is a complete boxer who uses supreme mobility and positioning to dominate. brilliant.
Dear Fran!!
Just to make sure it seems to me that you step forward with the last twos , is that o.k. ? it is o.k. for me but it is an avanced drill isn´t it?
On the other hand may I ask you to use a bit cleared shoes in other see them better.
Thank you very much Fran we keep in touch!!!
Hi Vicente, I hope that you are keeping well. After the jab/pivot:
lead foot forward with back hand
Rear foot forward with jab
Lead foot forward with back hand.
This is for the drill, so slow it down. In time this will translate into faster execution for shadow boxing and bag work.
Take care
Thanks Fran. Really informative as always.
No problem, thanks Graham.
That was brilliant, Fran. Simple, basic manoeuvres put together to produce an advanced combination. As you went through the first demonstration I could see Loma doing it in my mind.
Flattered. Thanks mate. As you say, simple components – the whole greater than the sum of it’s parts. Cheers pal.
Another great one Fran, nice angles option to practice.
Cheers
Thanks Peter. Glad it helps mate.
Thanks Fran
Would this combo be affective for an orathadox v an orathadox. Cheers
Ben
Yes, but you need to be conscious that you are pivoting towards the opponent’s back hand, so there is a higher risk. It needs to be done with speed and hyper-aggression. It would also be ill-advised to do it over and over.
Fran thanks for the break down, but I believe you can step the opposite way and opposite punch too. You can start the jab and step with the right foot, and execute the combo on the orthodox’s jab side.
i.e.
jab step right foot (head off centreline)
right hand – jab -right – jab
Hello Louis. Yes, good point. It is a different outcome and the pivot might be hindered by the opponent’s lead leg. The angled side step off the jab would put you in a god position. I like the way you are thinking👍
Great demonstration Fran! Refreshing to think about the endless variety of options available
Hey Jeff. Yes, mind-boggling really – always best to go with principles and patterns I think. Hope you are well.