Are straight punches (jabs, cross) more useful/important?

[Prettyprince]

I'm a beginner, recently started sparring. Most of the punches I threw in sparring were jabs and rights, I only threw hooks and uppercuts when my sparring partner was up against the ropes/ with a high guard and being completely defensive.
Its very weird, because while shadow boxing you use lots of hooks and uppercuts, but while actual sparring my partner is always out of range to land them

So is it more beneficial to focus more on straight punches rather than bent arms punches in training? Can you win amateur matches solely with straight punches and with the occasional hook/uppercut?

[NearHypnos]

You can win with anything if you land and can avoid a 1-1 exchange. Go with what feels right. A good jab and straight are always beneficial so it's not really a "yes" or "no" type deal.

[Redd Foxx]

It's no coincidence that most of top boxers in the world have an excellent jab. Straight punches are faster and have greater reach. That's important when starting out because you don't yet have the footwork to put you in ideal positions for hooks (as well as the ability to smoothly get away after throwing them).
Your straight punches are your bread and butter. Hooks and uppercuts are to be used as opportunities present themselves.

[ShoulderRoll]

The shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. Straight punches will always get to the target first if all else is equal.

But if that's all you use then you become predictable and opponents will prepare for you accordingly. That's why you have to mix things up with other punches, with feints, with footwork, etc.

Learn the basics but then learn to combine and play with them in different ways. That's boxing.

[_original_]

I think you're fine since you're a beginner. I rather see a new guy starting off throwing nice straight punches, even constant 1-2s, then him getting wild and throwing bad shots. I'd say to at least develop the left hook (assuming you're right handed) after your combinations for now, body and head. When you become more experienced and start measuring distance better you'll be able to land hooks and uppercuts mre comfortably. Pay your dues first.

[Mr.MojoRisin']

Depends on the fighter.

[therealpugilist]

I'm a beginner, recently started sparring. Most of the punches I threw in sparring were jabs and rights, I only threw hooks and uppercuts when my sparring partner was up against the ropes/ with a high guard and being completely defensive.
Its very weird, because while shadow boxing you use lots of hooks and uppercuts, but while actual sparring my partner is always out of range to land them

So is it more beneficial to focus more on straight punches rather than bent arms punches in training? Can you win amateur matches solely with straight punches and with the occasional hook/uppercut?

you have to be at the proper range to let off hooks or uppercuts, other wise you'll be getting countered all day

if you have good footwork, and a sense of distance, you cant go wrong with the good ole 1-2

just make sure you arent throwing it too far away

neext time you spar.....try a 1,1,2,3 combo.....the 2 will have to in position to either throw the left hook or slip to the left(avoiding incoming right hand) and jab out.....it'll come to you.

[juggernaut666]

"As any good geometry student will tell you, the shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. Wouldn’t it stand to reason then that most attacks occur in a linear path, like a lot of TMA striking?"

The above is a quote on hooks .It depends on the fighter /style the big myth is straight punches land first which is false ,i could easily just pivot in better range and go around someones straight shot ,once inside i also have shorter arm range to throw without needing snap or over extending ,hook punches are more for power shots ,in boxing its always good to still set them up with jabs ,try hooking off the jab as its also great technique , learn basic one two combos then throw in hooks . Taller fighters usually adapt the straighter shots ,while shorter guys go for the hooks ,always practice hard body shots you want to hit the biggest target and you can do major damage in the rib areas throwing shoulders and using the lats to generate the most force ,this will be done on the heavy bag to mimic human body .

Every type of punch /angles is important learn them all even your opponents bc knowing their strengths will help you understand what you are looking at more!