Boxing 1-2 Combination (Jab-Cross)
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves, Focus Mitts
Primary muscle group
Deltoids, Obliques, Gluteals
Secondary muscle groups
Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Striking Combination
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing
Overview
Purpose. Link the two straight punches so that the jab creates the opening the cross exploits.
How it fits the system. The first combination taught in the Combat Sports section. Every longer sequence in the library builds on it. Related work in the library: Boxing Jab and Boxing Double Jab-Cross.
Primary muscles
Deltoids, Obliques, Gluteals
Secondary muscles
Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Striking Combination
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves, Focus Mitts
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- From the boxing stance, throw the jab and begin retracting it immediately.
- As the jab returns, rotate the rear hip and throw the cross along the same line.
- Keep the head behind the shoulder of whichever hand is extended.
- Return both hands to the guard and either move or throw again.
Coaching Cues
- “The cross leaves as the jab comes home.”
- “One line, two punches.”
- “Finish in the guard, then move.”
Common Mistakes
- Pausing between the two punches, which gives the opponent time to react.
- Squaring the shoulders on the cross, which loses the defensive structure.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add a step-in, then a third punch, then throw it as a counter off a slip.
Regressions
Throw each punch separately on the bag until both are clean, then join them.
When to Use It
When to use
Pad rounds, bag rounds and shadow rounds once the individual strikes are competent.
When not to use
Before the component strikes can be thrown correctly in isolation.
Programming
3–6 rounds of 2–3 minutes, 8–15 repetitions of the combination per round.
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