Title: Jab-Cross (1-2): Steps, Key Details & Mistakes | DARCE

Canonical: https://darce.app/techniques/striking/jab-cross

> Jab-Cross (1-2). The foundational straight-punch combination: lead-hand jab into rear-hand cross.

# 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

1. 01

   ### Set your stance

   Hands up, chin tucked, balanced.

2. 02

   ### Jab (1)

   Lead-hand jab to measure range and open the guard.

3. 03

   ### Cross (2)

   Snap the jab back as the rear hand fires across, rotating the hip fully.

4. 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) Striking The classic three-punch combination chaining straight punches into a turning lead hook.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/jab-cross-hook)
- [Jab-Cross-Low Kick Striking A kickboxing staple: punches up high to freeze the hands, then a low kick to the legs.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/jab-cross-lowkick)
- [Jab Striking The lead-hand straight punch: your range-finder, rhythm-setter and the setup for everything else.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/jab)
- [Cross Striking The rear-hand straight punch: your primary power shot, driven by rotating the hip and pivoting the rear foot.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/cross)
- [Lead Hook Striking A short horizontal lead-hand punch that turns through the side of the target on the pivot of the hips.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/lead-hook)
- [Rear Hook Striking A power hook from the rear hand, turning the whole body to land on the side of the head.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/rear-hook)

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