Michelle
Padwork often looks flashy. The magic isn't in smashing. It's in timing, breathing, footwork and that click with your coach or partner.
Here are 7 pad combinations for beginners and beyond. Clear sequences, kickboxing pad tips, common mistakes, and cues you can use in the next class.
In short
- Pad combinations train technique, speed and fitness at once.
- Start with simple series like jab, cross and hook before you add defence.
- Breathe out on every punch and bring the hands straight back to the guard.
- More advanced: slips, pivots, low kicks and pace changes.
- Good gloves and wraps protect your hands, especially on a lot of padwork.
What is padwork and why does it work?
Padwork is training where you throw combinations on focus mitts or kick pads your partner holds.
The big plus: you don't only train punches. You train distance, rhythm, reaction and control. A bag doesn't move back. Pads do. You have to look, listen, correct, and be sharp again. That's why padwork often feels harder than it looks on paper.
At Hypest we see more women use padwork as a fixed part of boxing. Padwork is especially good when you want to feel technique, not only snap. You notice immediately when you're too far, the chin comes up, or balance goes after a hook.
Tip: agree the numbers first. 1 jab, 2 cross, 3 lead hook, 4 rear hook, 5 lead uppercut, 6 rear uppercut. Faster, less messy.
The base for safe, sharp padwork
Good padwork starts with stance, breathing and protection before you add speed or power.
Fighting stance, feet about shoulder-width. Orthodox: left foot forward. Southpaw: right. Knees slightly bent, chin down, hands high. Not stiff like a plank. Active. Ready to step off.
A mistake we often see: beginners want to smash immediately. Fair. The sound of a clean cross on pads is addictive. If the technique isn't there, you leak power and load the wrist.
| Level | Best combinations | Focus | Trap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Jab-cross, double jab-cross, jab-cross-hook | Stance, straight punches, hands back | Hitting too hard and losing balance |
| Building | Add a slip or a step-off | Defence between punches | Dropping the guard to "see" |
| Further | Hooks, uppercuts, a low kick, pace change | Rhythm, not just power | Making the combo so long you forget to breathe |
Wraps and gloves that fit: Hypest Bloody Burgundy wraps and Hypest Burgundy Knockout boxing gloves. The six punches: basic boxing punches.
Questions you probably have
What should a beginner throw on pads?
Jab-cross first. Then double jab-cross. Then add the lead hook. Hands back every time. Power later.
How hard should I hit?
Hard enough to be honest, not so hard the pad holder has to save you. If your wrist bends, you went too hard too soon.
Do I need kick pads?
For boxing combinations, mitts are enough. Kick pads when you add kicks. Follow the coach.
I'm gassed after two combos. Normal?
Yes. Breathe out on punches. Shorter series. Rest with the guard up, not hands on knees if you can help it.
