Punching Techniques

Cross

Also known as a "straight right hand," a cross is a hooking fore-fist punch with the trailing hand that crosses over the opponent's guard to it target. Usually used to the high section. Instead of trying to punch through the opponent’s guard, you punch over or around it. It is also a way to avoid punching an opponent in the teeth and getting cut, which may happen with a straight punch or uppercut to the mouth. A common error in the punch is to let the forward hip slide backward to achieve the necessary tilt of the torso, rather than pushing the rear hip up and over very slightly, which drives the hand into the target.

(if you're right-handed), it starts from the face and follows an imaginary straight line directly into the target. Drive and pivot from the rear foot, rotating the hips forcefully as your body weight shifts toward the front foot. Extend your right arm toward the target, snapping your wrist downward. On impact, the palm is down and the knuckles up.

How to Cross

The technique is similar to the jab. The cross is usually set up by the jab. The starting position is the same. A cross begins from the quard and follows an imaginary straight line directly into the target. Drive and pivot from the rear foot, rotating the hips forcefully as your body weight shifts toward the front foot. Extend your right arm toward the target, snapping your wrist downward. On impact, the palm is down and the knuckles up.

The motion is the same except the trailing hand and hip are used instead of the leading hand and hip. When punching, the hip leads and, as the fist travels toward the target, the shoulder follows through. Keep the elbows tucked in and do not let them lift to the sides (chicken-winging). This weakens the power of punches and exposes the ribs. Do not telegraph the punch by cocking the arm (even ever so slightly) or by tightening the fist. The only clue an opponent should have of a punch coming is that the size of the fist appears to be increasing (because it it is getting closer). Do not reach for the opponent, move the body within range before firing the cross.  Cross may be fired while moving but it is more powerful when the feet are planted.

Defense for Cross

Same as for jab