Cross Jab
A deceiving combination designed to catch your opponent off guard, I very rarely see anyone use this.
As we're throwing the right hand (cross) first back the power off of it and essentially use it as if it were a jab - your sticking it out there into your opponents face before following it up with a snapping jab.
The Cross
The cross or right hand as it's often called is your power punch.
The primary purpose of your jab, be it on the focus mitts, the heavy bag or against your opponent in the ring is to 'set up' your power shot, aka. the right hand.
The #1 key when it comes to throwing a cross is to remember that the power comes through the lower body and hip rotation, the power does not come directly from the arm... as such if your stance, footwork or pivot are incorrect then your power punch is going to lack power!
- Begin with your gloves tucked in front of your face, elbows pointing down.
- Pivot on your rear foot as you drive through your hips while extending your rear (right) hand outward to punch - your punch should go straight out from your chin level - no dropping of the hand.
- Just before your glove makes contact with the focus mitt or heavy bag rotate your fist (often calling 'turning it over) so your knuckles are horizontal to the floor as your glove hits.
- As soon as your right hand connects with the focus mitt or heavy bag bring it back in front of your face and return to your elbows tucked in position.
Common mistakes with the cross include:
Transferring Too Much Weight Forward
When in your boxing stance your weight should remain primarily on your rear leg, when throwing a cross if you're transferring too much weight onto your front foot you'll overbalance and fall forward.
This mistake can be extremely costly, particularly in the ring - if your cross misses and you're off balance you're wide open to be hit - not to mention you'll miss the opportunity to follow up your cross with a powerful lead hook as you won't be 'planted' on the ground to throw your next punch.
Dropping Your Left Hand
The majority of guys drop their opposite hand when throwing a punch, if your adversary sees your cross coming and counters with a jab or cross of their own your chin is exposed - not good.
Ensure your opposite hand is always touching your cheek when throwing a punch.
Failing To Turn Over Your Hand & 'Snap' The Punch
You must turn your punch over, rotate your wrist so your knuckles are horizontal to the ground just before your punch lands.
Many guys fail to rotate their punches and take too long to return the punch to their guard... the result? The punch turns out to be more of a push than a snapping, powerful attack.
The Jab
The jab is without a doubt the most crucial punch to master, yet remains most neglected.
Your jab should be straight and fast... no looping or winding up required.
- Begin with your gloves tucked in front of your face, elbows pointing down.
- Drive through your hips as you twist them while extending your lead (left) hand outward to punch - your punch should go straight out from your chin level - no dropping of the hand.
- Just before your glove makes contact with the focus mitt or heavy bag rotate your fist (often calling 'turning it over) so your knuckles are horizontal to the floor as your glove hits.
- As soon as your jab connects with the focus mitt or heavy bag bring it back in front of your face and return to your elbows tucked in position.
Common mistakes made with the jab include:
Transferring Too Much Weight Forward
When in your boxing stance your weight should remain primarily on your rear leg, when throwing a jab if you're transferring too much weight onto your front foot you'll overbalance and fall forward.
This mistake can be extremely costly, particularly in the ring - if your jab misses and you're off balance you're wide open to be hit - not to mention you'll miss the opportunity to follow up your jab with a powerful cross as you won't be 'planted' on the ground to throw your next punch.
Dropping Your Right Hand
The majority of guys drop their opposite hand when throwing a punch, if your adversary sees your jab coming and counters with a jab or cross of their own your chin is exposed - not good.
Ensure your opposite hand is always touching your cheek when throwing a punch.
Failing To Turn Over Your Hand & 'Snap' The Punch
You must turn your punch over, rotate your wrist so your knuckles are horizontal to the ground just before your punch lands.
Many guys fail to rotate their punches and take too long to return the punch to their guard... the result? The punch turns out to be more of a push than a snapping, powerful attack.
