Proper execution of 1,2 combo

[Grey Kid]

Hey gents,

I just have a question regarding the jab cross combo that has been bugging me for awhile.

My boxing coach tells me: Always step into a punch, i.e the stutter step.

meanwhile my Muay Thai coach tells me: When throwing a one two, the right cross should be thrown as the jab is retracting.

These two pieces of advice come to a bit of conflict, let me explain-

When I take a short step into my jab, the natural reaction is to connect with the jab as the lead foot hits the ground. Once I am back in a stance, I then step forward with the lead foot while I come across with my right. In this way, it is two punches thrown in quick succession, with a slight step for each punch.

However, if I follow the instructions of my Muay Thai coach, I find it awkward to throw the right cross as I am retracting my jab while stepping at the same time. If I do that, it literally becomes a stepping jab, then before the jab is fully retracted, I am stepping again and throwing my right.

Am I missing something here? What are your tips/advice/opinions? Thanks

 

[Luke Bucknell]

if you're throwing it as a combo you don't want to be 'going back to your stance' before each punch. when you throw the right cross leave the left foot where it is and pivot on your right foot (turn the knee in) and throw the hip/shoulder forward with the punch

 

[phengeng]

if you're throwing it as a combo you don't want to be 'going back to your stance' before each punch. when you throw the right cross leave the left foot where it is and pivot on your right foot (turn the knee in) and throw the hip/shoulder forward with the punch

this sounds correct. No need to step back and back out for the cross....i see no advantage in doing this and would be very slow.

 

[Grey Kid]

Thanks.

Would I be correct in saying-

1-Throw the stutter step jab.

2-Leave lead foot where it is.

3-Start to throw the right cross as jab is slightly more than halfway retracted.

4-Throw right cross as per usual.

 

[phengeng]

Thanks.

Would I be correct in saying-

1-Throw the stutter step jab.

2-Leave lead foot where it is.

3-Start to throw the right cross as jab is slightly more than halfway retracted.

4-Throw right cross as per usual.

that sounds good except i would throw the right cross when the jab is almost fully retracted. It should be smooth and flowly..not like a jab....pause..cross. It should be continuous.

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

i sorta remember being confused about this too when i started training

i think whether or not you stutter step is dependent on if you are being the aggressor or not

what i do when moving forward i.e being aggressive

- step forward with left
- connect with jab
- right foot follows (sliding almost)
- throw cross and pivot

so technically your right foot is coming forward (sliding) until you pivot

if you are not being the agressor i.e countering, then i would say your muay thai's instructor instruction is correct

 

[Grey Kid]

Thank you for the prompt and sagely advice.

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

yes for me at least

the right foot comes forward so you dont have too wide of a stance.

pivot is the most important part for power behind your cross

 

[ssullivan80]

i sorta remember being confused about this too when i started training

i think whether or not you stutter step is dependent on if you are being the aggressor or not

what i do when moving forward i.e being aggressive

- step forward with left
- connect with jab
- right foot follows (sliding almost)
- throw cross and pivot

so technically your right foot is coming forward (sliding) until you pivot

if you are not being the agressor i.e countering, then i would say your muay thai's instructor instruction is correct

Good advice! any steps before/during the combination should just be used to get into range. Remeber, your cross reaches a bit farther than your jab. In short, if you step in and crowd yourself on the jab your cross will be useless, unless your opponent is moving backwards.

My favorite way to throw a 1-2 combo, assuming my opponent holds his rear hand near his cheek like he should, is to throw the jab at my opponents rear hand and make contact near the end of my jab range, then quick cross down the chute. Works all the time, they either try to parry the jab (which is thrown wide for a reason) and open up for the cross or you end up hitting their glove and leaving an easy shot at their chin with your cross. Practicing this will also help you learn your range!

 

[Michael Wanaka]

The 1-2 is classically thrown with one step. I.e. You step with your lead foot with the jab, and as you throw the 2 your back foot slides forward.

 

[Rbagu3]

The 1-2 is classically thrown with one step. I.e. You step with your lead foot with the jab, and as you throw the 2 your back foot slides forward.

pretty much how i'd put it

 

[ambertch]

But really, there's just infinite ways to throw boxing combos - I mean that's the beauty of boxing.

Even on this one-two, say you've "came in" behind a stepping jab and you're now in punching range. You jab without taking a step and he pulls a little back to avoid it. You then throw your two with a LEAD leg step to extend the range of that punch beyond what he might be expecting

 

[fightingrabbit]

a good one-two is all about good timing IMO.