Boxing Combo 3: Cross > Hook > Cross & Lead Turning Kick

The Cross > Hook > Cross & Lead Turning Kick combination is a dynamic and versatile sequence that blends powerful boxing strikes with a devastating lead turning kick. This combination is designed to keep your opponent off-balance, apply pressure from multiple angles, and finish with a powerful kick that can target the body or head. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to execute Boxing Combo 3:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Starting Position:
• Fighting Stance: Begin in your fighting stance, with your lead foot slightly forward, knees slightly bent, and hands up protecting your chin. Your lead hand (typically the left hand for orthodox fighters) should be positioned in front of your face, while your rear hand is close to your chin, ready to deliver powerful strikes.
2. The First Cross:
• Rotate the Hips: Start the combination by rotating your hips and shoulders towards your opponent, preparing to throw the cross. This rotation is key to generating power.
• Extend the Rear Hand: Throw your rear hand straight forward, aiming for your opponent’s chin or upper body. The cross is your power punch, driven by the rotation of your hips and shoulders.
• Pivot the Rear Foot: To maximise power, pivot on the ball of your rear foot as you throw the cross, allowing your body to rotate fully.
• Return to Guard: After the cross makes contact, quickly retract your rear hand back to your chin and return to your stance.
3. The Hook:
• Shift Your Weight: As you retract your rear hand, shift your weight slightly onto your rear foot, preparing to throw the lead hook.
• Throw the Lead Hook: With your lead hand, throw a hook aimed at your opponent’s jaw or the side of their head. The punch should come in a tight arc, with your elbow at a 90-degree angle.
• Rotate the Hips: As you throw the hook, rotate your hips and shoulders into the punch, generating power from your core.
• Return to Guard: After the hook lands, quickly return your lead hand to its defensive position in front of your face.
4. The Second Cross:
• Repeat the Cross: Following the hook, immediately throw another cross with your rear hand. This cross follows the same mechanics as the first, aiming to catch your opponent as they recover from the hook.
• Maximise Power: Again, rotate your hips and pivot on the ball of your rear foot to maximise the power of the punch.
• Return to Guard: After the second cross makes contact, quickly retract your rear hand back to your chin and return to your stance.
5. The Lead Turning Kick:
• Shift Your Weight: After the second cross, shift your weight onto your rear foot to prepare for the lead turning kick.
• Chamber the Knee: Lift your lead knee towards your chest, with your toes pointed at your target. This chambering motion sets up the turning kick.
• Execute the Turning Kick: Rotate your hips and pivot on your rear foot as you extend your lead leg in a sweeping motion. The kick should make contact with the ball of your foot, targeting your opponent’s body (ribs or midsection) or head, depending on your intended target.
• Retract and Reset: After the kick lands, quickly retract your leg and return to your fighting stance, ready for follow-up actions or to defend against a counterattack.
6. Flow and Rhythm:
• Seamless Transitions: The Cross > Hook > Cross & Lead Turning Kick combination should be executed with fluidity and rhythm. Each strike sets up the next, keeping your opponent off-balance and unable to predict your movements.
7. Follow Through:
• Be Ready for Follow-Up: After completing the combination, be ready to continue with additional strikes, create distance, or defend against any counterattacks. The combination is designed to maintain pressure on your opponent, leaving them little room to recover.

Key Points for Cross > Hook > Cross & Lead Turning Kick:

• Rotate your hips and shoulders to generate power for each strike, especially the crosses and hook.
• Keep your guard up after each punch to protect against counters.
• Shift your weight and chamber your knee to set up the lead turning kick effectively.
• Execute the turning kick with a sweeping motion, targeting the body or head for maximum impact.
• Maintain balance and fluidity throughout the combination to stay mobile and ready for follow-up actions.

The Cross > Hook > Cross & Lead Turning Kick combination is a powerful and versatile sequence that combines the precision and power of boxing strikes with the added impact of a lead turning kick. This combination is effective in both offensive and defensive situations, allowing you to control the pace of the fight and keep your opponent off-balance.