Techniques>Punches>Cross punch

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Cross punch

Intro

Also known as a "straight right," the cross is a fore-fist punch with the trailing hand that crosses over the opponent's guard to its target. Instead of trying to punch through the opponent’s guard, you punch over or around it. This also helps avoid punching an opponent in the teeth and getting cut, which may happen with a straight punch or uppercut to the mouth. The cross is usually set up by a jab

How to perform a trailing arm cross

The cross is performed basically the same as the jab, just with the trailing hand.

• The starting position is the same as with the jab. 
• A cross begins from the guard. Keep the elbows tucked in and don’t let them lift to the sides (chicken-winging). This weakens the power of punches and exposes the ribs. 
• The punch follows a relatively straight line directly into the target.
• Don’t telegraph the punch by cocking the arm, not even 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’s getting closer. 
• 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 facing downward.

How the cross is used

• It’s usually used to the high section. 
• Don’t 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.
• A common error in the punch is to let the forward hip slide backward to achieve the necessary tilt of the torso. You should push the rear hip up and over slightly, which drives the hand into the target.

Defenses against a cross

The defenses for the cross are the same as for jab.

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