The Cross

Sam Parries Eddies Long Cross

 

The Basics

 

·         A straight punch from your rear hand

·         Starts and returns from your guard, typically around the height of your own jaw line

·         Should be direct, punch and relax don’t hit “through” the target

·         Extend the rear hip forwards at same time as punch

·         Feet flat on the floor at point of impact for maximum power

 

Aimed at Opponents

Jaw line

Solar Plexus

Temple


Slow Demo of a Long Cross extending the hips, feet flat to the floor


 

Bit more Depth

 

The cross is the most powerful of the straight punches, nice and straight from point A to point B delivered with aggression and power. Don’t hit “Through” the target to transfer the concussive force of the punch you need to hit and relax at the moment of impact, Hitting “through” the target turns some of the concussive force into push energy and that’s not what you want. To generate the power for the punch you extend your Rear hip at the same time as you throw the punch, its important to keep your feet flat on the floor to help generate the Thrust in the hips to maximize power.  Make sure once the punch is delivered your hand returns to your guard, don’t leave yourself open for a counter punch or kick.

The Cross can be used at Range as a long straight punch to set up or as part of a combination of strikes, or close with a higher elbow position as a very powerful strike when closing distance or countering using footwork. Typically, Kickboxers use Longer Punches to help set up kicks, in K1 or Mauy Thai its common to not use the Jab at the start of a combination but to rather use the Cross finishing the combination with a kick. See Ernesto Hoost as a great example of this his Right Cross, Left Hook to the Body, Right Leg Kick was devastatingly effective in K1.

For a Short Cross driving in towards your opponent with a push off your rear leg to close the distance is very effective, this has to be timed as part of evasive footwork, a counter, or as part of a combination of strikes. A simple example maybe Double Jab while closing the distance short cross, or lead leg kick, then not drawing the kickback fully but using the elongated stance by pushing from your rear leg to close the distance and deliver a short cross.


Long Cross, to short cross, closing distance with footwork


 

The Short cross has a much higher elbow position than a Long Cross to help generate more power over a shorter distance , with practice this can be useful in MMA when in someone’s guard or visa versa to deliver strong close range punches.


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