Combinations
Jab, cross, left uppercut
FlowLeft jab → Right cross → Left uppercut
The jab, cross, left uppercut is a three-punch combination that drives a left uppercut up to the head after the left jab and right cross. The one-two gets the opponent to lock their guard in front, and you go up through the gap from below. You can throw it straight from the distance the one-two brought you to. Recentering your weight after the right cross puts power into the third punch, the uppercut.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-2-5 |
| Number of punches | 3 |
| Goals | Uppercut Techniques, One-Two Techniques, Close-Range Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Jab, cross, left uppercut: step by step
- Throw the left jab to set the distance to the opponent.
- Drive the right cross through without letting your body's axis wobble.
- As you pull the right back, return your weight, which has shifted forward, to the middle between your front and back feet.
- Linking from that recentering, drive the left uppercut up from below. On impact, push your left shoulder blade forward.
- After punching, bring both hands back in front of your face.
Jab, cross, left uppercut: key points
- Each of the three punches has a role. The jab sets the distance, the right cross sets your axis, and the left uppercut hits from below.
- After the right cross, move into the uppercut while returning your weight to the middle. If you stay on your front foot, you can't push up from below.
- Push your shoulder blade forward as the uppercut lands, and your reach extends without breaking the shape of your arm.
Jab, cross, left uppercut: common mistakes
- Letting your body drift forward on the right cross. There's no time to recenter, and the left uppercut becomes an arm-only swing.
- Dropping your fist before the left uppercut. The opponent reads it and times a right to it.
Jab, cross, left uppercut: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, after the one-two, check that your weight is back in the middle before throwing the left uppercut. Once you're used to it, overlap the recentering and the uppercut to close the gap.
- On the heavy bag, throw the one-two at head height, then drive the left uppercut up from close to the bag. Check that you're not lunging forward on the third punch.
Related techniques
By goalUppercut TechniquesOne-Two TechniquesClose-Range 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.