Jab-Cross (1-2)
- Striking
- Combinations
- fundamental
- Orthodox stance
- 4 steps
The foundational straight-punch combination: lead-hand jab into rear-hand cross. Also known as the One-two or the Straight combo. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 4 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Use the one-two as your default entry at punching range. The jab finds the distance and covers your step in, and the cross lands behind it. Change the targets: jab the body and cross the head, or jab the head and cross the body.
Step by step
- 01
Set your stance
Hands up, chin tucked, balanced.
- 02
Jab (1)
Lead-hand jab to measure range and open the guard.
- 03
Cross (2)
Snap the jab back as the rear hand fires across, rotating the hip fully.
- 04
Recover to guard
Reset both hands and your base. Never admire your work.
Key details
- Rotate the rear foot and hip on the cross.
- The off-hand always guards the chin.
- Punch straight and recover along the same line.
Common mistakes
- Dropping the jab hand on the way out.
- Arm-punching the cross with no hip.
- Leaning out over the lead foot.
Common counters
Opponents slip the cross to the outside and return a lead hook, or parry the jab and fire their own cross. The same one-two from the same distance is easy to time. Change the rhythm and step off after it.
How to drill it
Mitt rounds of the one-two from three distances: step in for one, stand still for the next, step back for the third. Do three rounds of three minutes, ending every one-two with a step off at an angle.
Related techniques
- Jab-Cross-Hook (1-2-3)StrikingThe classic three-punch combination chaining straight punches into a turning lead hook.
- Jab-Cross-Low KickStrikingA kickboxing staple: punches up high to freeze the hands, then a low kick to the legs.
- JabStrikingThe lead-hand straight punch: your range-finder, rhythm-setter and the setup for everything else.
- CrossStrikingThe rear-hand straight punch: your primary power shot, driven by rotating the hip and pivoting the rear foot.
- Lead HookStrikingA short horizontal lead-hand punch that turns through the side of the target on the pivot of the hips.
- Rear HookStrikingA power hook from the rear hand, turning the whole body to land on the side of the head.
Train it with the AI coach