The jab > cross is one of your quintessential 2-punch combinations.

It's the fundamental fight combo and one of the most powerful 2-punch sequences you have.

In this post and video breakdown I'll show you how to use the jab to set up your cross to consistently land on target using a freestyle drill...

Video Breakdown

Jabs Wins Fights

I've covered the jab in detail before, both on this blog and in the "Striking Fundamentals Vol.1" program.

Jab is one of the most important strikes you need to learn and master. But I will briefly mention the important parts.

Jabs are used in different ways and for different reasons.

• To gauge distance and range
• To setup your combinations
• Disrupt your opponent's combinations
• Disrupt your opponent's counters
• You can lead with a jab or you can leave with a jab

There are also 3 different types of jabs: snapping jab, pawing jab and power jab.

Simply put: jabs win fights.

Drill Breakdown

The following drill will help you land the jab and the power cross consistently.

Use this drill as a form of freestyle in shadow boxing, punching bag and sparring.

Freestyle means you flow with the movement and don't have a predetermined pattern of throwing. You may throw one jab then a cross. Other times you may pump the jab out 3 different types at various rhythms before you connect with a cross.

The cross should be thrown with intention to cause damage, to TKO/KO. But you need jabs to set that up.

Begin with a simple pawing or snapping jabs but vary the speed and rhythm of these jabs.

The goal is to get a reaction. You want to see what they do to your jabs.

Do they attack? Cover up? Do they let you get close and do nothing?

Everyone will have some kind of a reaction and you are looking to find what that is. When they react, the present you with an opening to deliver the power cross.

Make sure to implement footwork and head movement so you're not standing still making yourself a target.

Work this in shadow boxing and on the punching bag.

Visualize your opponent as if you're sparring or fighting. Imagine the stance they are in: is it orthodox or southpaw. This will guide you how to move and where to strike.

The key is to be deliberate and methodical with this drill. You aren't just doing repetition. You are moving, setting things up as if you are sparring or fighting.

Vary the jab and use different speeds. Double up on the jab. Stay relaxed and move. Pump the jab.

You can also throw the jab to the body which will set up the cross to the head much better.

When you deliver the cross, it should be with intent to hit hard. Cause damage. Rotate your hips and drive through with the cross to generate the maximum power.

You can also double up on the cross. When the first one lands, throw another one right after.

Remember: when you are punching for power you're not punching at the bag you're punching through the bag. Imagine as if you're punching something behind the bag rather than at the bag.

Then back to pumping the jab to set up another cross.

Adding Levels

Jabs are one way to setup the cross.

You can also throw lead front kick to a power cross or mix up the jab and lead front kick to power cross.

In addition to the lead front kick to power cross, you can throw lead round house kick to the leg to power cross.

This will give you a kicking range to setup and target to deliver the power cross.

Know Your Fundamentals

Learn to throw jabs and crosses with maximum speed and power. Sharpen your boxing skills with the complete "Striking Fundamentals Vol.1" program. Learn the fundamental 4 punches and 8 combinations every fighter needs to master.