Combinations
One-two-one (the third jab is the power punch)
1Left jab2Right cross1Left jab
Flow(light) Left jab → (light) Right cross → Left jab
This is a three-punch combination where you throw one more left jab after the one-two, and the power punch is the third and last one. Use the first two to lightly touch the opponent's guard, shifting where it sits and checking how they react. When the guard moves and leaves an opening, land the third punch, the left jab, precisely there.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-2-1 |
| Number of punches | 3 |
| Goals | One-Two Techniques, Setup-and-Power Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
One-two-one (the third jab is the power punch): step by step
- Throw the left jab lightly and touch the opponent's guard.
- Throw the right cross lightly too, and watch where the guard is and how the opponent reacts.
- The moment the guard shifts, land the third punch, the left jab, in the opening.
- Pull the left back and return to your guard.
One-two-one (the third jab is the power punch): key points
- The first and second punches aren't meant to knock anyone down. They're there to shift the guard and gauge the opponent's reaction.
- The first two only need about 80% accuracy. The third one alone should land exactly where you aim, with 100% accuracy.
- Throw the third jab by the shortest route, as if threading it through the gap in the shifted guard.
One-two-one (the third jab is the power punch): common mistakes
- Hitting too hard with the first two. The opponent tightens their guard and stops moving, so there's no path for the third punch.
- Throwing the third punch mechanically at a spot you decided in advance. You punch regardless of how the guard moved and only hit the guard.
One-two-one (the third jab is the power punch): how to practice
- In shadowboxing, picture the opponent's guard and aim the third punch at where you imagine the guard moved after the second.
- On the heavy bag, just touch the bag with the first two and focus on landing the third precisely on one spot.
Related techniques
By goalOne-Two 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.