Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross Combination

The Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross combination is a fundamental and highly effective sequence in boxing and striking arts. This combination leverages the speed and precision of the jab with the power of the cross, allowing you to maintain pressure on your opponent while keeping them off-balance. Repeating the jab and cross sequence in quick succession helps you establish control, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and create openings for more advanced strikes or combinations. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to execute the Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross combination:

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 (typically the right hand) is close to your chin, ready to deliver power strikes.
2. The First Jab:
• Extend the Lead Hand: Quickly snap your lead hand straight out, aiming to make contact with your opponent’s face or upper body. The jab should be fast and precise, designed to test your opponent’s defences and create an opening.
• Rotate the Shoulder: As you throw the jab, slightly rotate your lead shoulder forward to protect your chin and add power to the punch.
• Retract the Hand: Immediately after making contact, retract your hand quickly back to its starting position to protect your face and prepare for the next punch.
3. The First Cross:
• Rotate the Hips: As your jab retracts, rotate 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.
4. The Second Jab:
• Repeat the Jab: Following the cross, immediately throw another jab with your lead hand. The second jab should be just as fast and sharp as the first, continuing to keep your opponent on the defensive.
• Maintain Rhythm: Keep the rhythm and flow of your punches consistent, ensuring that your strikes are seamless and continuous.
• Retract the Hand: After the second jab, quickly retract your lead hand back to its guard position, ready for the next strike.
5. The Second Cross:
• Follow with the Cross: Finish the combination by throwing another cross with your rear hand. This cross should follow the same mechanics as the first, aiming to land with power and precision.
• 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.
6. Flow and Rhythm:
• Seamless Transitions: The Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross combination should be executed smoothly and with a steady rhythm. The repetition of the jab and cross sequence keeps your opponent off-balance and unable to predict your next move.
7. Follow Through:
• Maintain Pressure: After completing the combination, be ready to continue with additional strikes, create distance, or defend against any counterattacks. This combination is designed to maintain pressure on your opponent, forcing them to stay on the defensive.

Key Points for Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross Combination:

• Use the jab to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and create openings.
• Rotate your hips and shoulders to generate power for each cross.
• Maintain a consistent rhythm between each strike to keep your opponent off-balance.
• Keep your guard up after each punch to protect against counters.
• Flow seamlessly from one strike to the next, maintaining pressure and control.

The Jab > Cross > Jab > Cross combination is a fundamental yet powerful sequence that allows you to maintain control of the fight and keep your opponent on the defensive. By repeating the jab and cross, you can overwhelm your opponent with continuous pressure while creating opportunities for further attacks or more advanced combinations.