Top 10 Essential Striking Techniques for Beginners
Striking is the backbone of combat sports like MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing. Here are the top 10 beginner techniques:
Jab
What it is: A fast, straight punch thrown with the lead hand.
Why it matters: Used for range finding, disrupting rhythm, and setting up combinations.
How to perform:
- Stand in a fighting stance.
- Extend your lead hand in a straight line, twisting the fist so the palm faces the ground at the end.
- Snap it back to your guard position.
Training Tip:
Shadowbox with a mirror and focus on snapping the jab back quickly—don’t leave it hanging.
Cross
What it is: A powerful straight punch delivered from the rear hand.
Why it matters: Knockout potential when timed and thrown properly.
How to perform:
- Rotate your hips and rear foot as you throw.
- Punch straight down the centerline.
- Return to your guard immediately.
Drill:
Use a heavy bag and throw jab-cross combos. Focus on body rotation and speed.
Hook
What it is: A horizontal punch aimed at the side of the opponent’s head or body.
Why it matters: Effective in close range. Great for breaking guard or targeting the liver.
How to perform:
- Keep your elbow bent at 90 degrees.
- Rotate your hip and lead foot as you swing the punch in an arc.
- Use your core.
Safety Tip:
Keep your opposite hand up while throwing to avoid counters.
Uppercut
What it is: A vertical punch that travels upward.
Why it matters: Perfect for countering ducking or slipping opponents.
How to perform:
- Dip slightly and explode upward with your rear or lead hand.
- Use leg and core power.
- Aim for the chin or solar plexus.
Bonus Drill:
Practice in front of a mirror to ensure you’re not looping the punch too wide.
Elbow Strikes
What it is: Short-range strikes using the elbow.
Why it matters: Devastating in the clinch—causes cuts and damage.
How to perform:
- Bring your elbow across or downward.
- Stay tight to your opponent.
- Always reset your guard.
Combo Tip:
Try elbow after a missed hook to surprise your opponent.
Front Kick /Push Kick (Teep)
What it is: A push kick used to control distance or off-balance an opponent.
Why it matters: Maintains range and stops aggression.
How to perform:
- Lift your lead leg like a marching step.
- Extend with your ball of foot to push into midsection.
- Retract quickly.
Target Practice:
Use a hanging bag to time your teep and practice quick recovery.
Roundhouse Kick
What it is: A circular kick targeting legs, ribs, or head.
Why it matters: One of the most powerful strikes when done right.
How to perform:
- Pivot on your lead foot.
- Swing your rear leg like a bat.
- Aim to strike with the shin.
Pro Tip:
Focus on speed and hip rotation, not just brute strength.
Side Kick
What it is: A linear, thrusting kick.
Why it matters: Hard to counter and creates space.
How to perform:
- Chamber your leg sideways.
- Drive your heel out.
- Lean back slightly for balance.
Application:
Useful as a counter when your opponent steps in.
Knee Strike
What it is: A strike using the knee.
Why it matters: Devastating in close quarters.
How to perform:
- Pull your opponent toward you.
- Drive your knee upward.
- Pivot on your standing foot.
Drill:
Use a Thai pad or bag for repetitive knee drills.
Superman Punch
What it is: A dynamic, flying punch that fakes a kick.
Why it matters: Catches opponents off-guard.
How to perform:
- Lift your rear leg like you’re kicking.
- Launch into a cross.
- Cover distance and strike simultaneously.
Advanced Use:
Best used as a surprise finisher after conditioning your opponent with low kicks.
