Combinations
Angled step-in with a right cross to the body
Flow(light) Left jab → Angled step-in → Pivot → Right body cross
The angled step-in with a right cross to the body is a technique where you draw the opponent's attention to their head (up high) with a left jab while stepping your left foot in at an angle, then pivot around to their side and throw a right cross to the body. The outside of the opponent's right arm is a weakly guarded spot, so it's easier to land than punching from straight in front. It's also good practice for combining footwork with punching.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-2b |
| Number of punches | 2 |
| Footwork and defense | Angled step-in, Pivot |
| Goals | Body Punching Techniques, Footwork Techniques, Angle Techniques, Repetition Drills |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Angled step-in with a right cross to the body: step by step
- Throw a light left jab to the head and draw the opponent's attention up.
- At the same time as the jab, step your left foot in at an angle. Place your foot so you're heading to the outside of the opponent's right arm.
- Pivot on the left foot you stepped with, turn your body to line up with the opponent's side, and reset your guard.
- From outside the opponent's right arm, drive the right cross into the body with your weight behind it.
- After punching, bring your right hand back beside your chin and settle your guard.
Angled step-in with a right cross to the body: key points
- Do the jab and the left foot step-in at the same time. If you jab first and then move your feet, you give the opponent time to turn.
- Pivot around and reset the direction of your body before you punch. If you're not lined up, the right cross only grazes from the side and has no weight behind it.
- The target spot is outside the opponent's right arm. It's less guarded than the front, so check that you got there before you punch.
Angled step-in with a right cross to the body: common mistakes
- Stepping straight forward instead of at an angle. You end up in front of the opponent, and their right-arm guard stops the punch.
- Skipping the pivot and punching while your feet are still drifting. It becomes an arm-only punch, and you lose your balance as you finish.
Angled step-in with a right cross to the body: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, step your left foot out at an angle as you jab, pivot and throw the right to the body. Check the flow slowly first, then speed up. A mark on the floor helps keep your step-in angle consistent.
- Stand in front of the heavy bag, use the jab and the angled step to get around to the side of the bag, then throw the right to the body. Check that your body faces the bag squarely the moment you punch.
Moves in this technique
Related techniques
By goalBody Punching TechniquesFootwork TechniquesAngle TechniquesRepetition Drills
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.