Jab Right Cross to the Head and Body – Spring the Trap!

Set Them Up with the Jab!

Another simple combination here, as the best ones often are!  The jab is a multi-purpose shot.  In this combination, the jab draws the opponent forward and the right cross to the body stops them in their tracks!  There are 4 skill elements in use; 2 punches, one footwork movement and one body movement.  As with the other ‘boxing combinations’ articles, this one assumes that the opponent has been very considerate and has wandered into your long range area (the alternative is that you would attack with a move forward).

OK, on with the combination:

1. Jab
2. Move back
3. Combine a Duck and a Right Cross, giving you a bolt straight shot to the body.

The jab and the move back bring the opponent forward.  As they move forward, they are focused an attack.  This focus on attack often leads to a) gaps in their defense and b) they relax their abdominal muscles and are not prepared for incoming shots.  The duck and the right cross must be combined.  Drop the knees and rotate around your central axis in order to get the right hand off.  Your target is the fleshy bit just below the opponent’s sternum (the solar plexus).  Don’t go for power; get the duck and punch combined quickly and effectively to ensure surprise, your opponent’s forward momentum will do the rest!  Observe the mechanics of each skill and avoid the faults and this combination will work well for you.

Note:  at the end of a combination, you need to get back to the ‘edge of range’, as per the article on range finding!  Don’t hang around within punching range!  Check out the article on boxing combinations to get more of an understanding of the technical theory behind building effective combinations.  In the meantime, leave a question or comment below.

Cheers

Fran

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