Combinations
Jab setup into a right cross to the body
Flow(light) Left jab → Right body cross
The jab setup into a right cross to the body shows the left jab to draw the opponent's eyes and guard up, then drives the right cross into the opened body. You can switch it low from the same entry as a one-two to the head, so it works on opponents who only guard high. You throw it with your head kept low, which also makes it harder for the opponent's left jab to land on you.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-2b |
| Number of punches | 2 |
| Goals | Body Punching Techniques, Setup-and-Power Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Jab setup into a right cross to the body: step by step
- From your guard, throw a light left jab to the head. The goal is to get the opponent's eyes and guard to go up, more than to land.
- As you pull the jab back, bend both knees deeply and sink. Don't just tip your upper body forward. Lower your height with your knees.
- Push the floor with your right foot and, as you send your hips forward, drive the right cross straight into the opponent's body.
- When you finish, bring your right hand back beside your chin, straighten your knees and return to your normal guard height.
Jab setup into a right cross to the body: key points
- Throw the left jab light and fast. If you tense up here, the sinking motion comes late and the opponent reads the body shot.
- Match the height by bending your knees deeply. Carry your hips forward as if pushing a bowling ball forward, and your weight goes into your fist.
- Keep your head low while you're down, and keep your left hand in front of your face. With your head lower, the opponent's left jab is harder to land.
Jab setup into a right cross to the body: common mistakes
- Bending at the waist and sinking with only your upper body. Your head sticks out forward, and it's easy for the opponent to time an uppercut or a right to it.
- Throwing the left jab for real. Your body overextends, and there's a gap before you can switch to the right to the body.
- Staying low after the right to the body. When the opponent punches down at you from above, you can't defend.
Jab setup into a right cross to the body: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, go from a light jab to sinking with your knees, throwing the right to the body, and coming back to your normal height, all in one flow. Check in the mirror that your head isn't pushing forward.
- On the heavy bag, touch the bag at head height with the jab, sink right away, and drive the right cross in at body height. Count it as one rep only once you're back in your guard.
Related techniques
By goalBody Punching TechniquesSetup-and-Power Techniques
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.