5 Tips to Improve your Cross in Boxing
The basic techniques a boxer learns first include jabs, hooks, uppercuts and above all the cross punch. When a beginner learns how to throw a perfect and damaging jab his next hit should be the cross punch.
Why the cross punch is so important? Certainly, it is the first power punch you learn to throw. It causes significant damage. A cross punch is effective because it takes the energy from the base and transfers it straight to the fist. Hence, if you know how to deliver a cross punch correctly, you can utilize it as a knockout blow. A cross punch landing on your opponent’s chin can be the deadliest move you can pull in the ring. If a cross punch fails to land the right target, still the punch has the capacity of causing a temporary knockback.
Hence, before you move on to the next step of learning the techniques of spitfire bullets, damaging leads and the overhands, you must practice the proper technique of cross punches.
Now that you have realized the importance of a cross punch, you must be wondering how you can improve your cross punches. Therefore, we have compiled a list of tips you can follow to excel in your field.
1. Learn the Textbook kind Cross
For a newbie, a punch may seem to be just a haphazard powerful swing. However, this is not the case. May it be a jab, hook, upper-cut or a cross, it needs a proper and precise movement with proper technique. As said by George Foreman III that “Once you learn proper technique, you will begin to deliver your punches from your legs, lats and obliques.”
The main and important rule to deliver a cross punch perfectly is to transfer the kinetic energy from the base to your fist properly. Firstly, plant your feet in the right place to generate power. Then, step forward with your lead foot with your rear foot pivoted such that you may turn inward. While firing your punch turn your torso towards your target with an aim to hit your opponent’s chin or nose and turn the punch over.
It is important to note that a cross punch travels in a straight line from the initial point to your aim. If you succeed in connecting with the first two knuckles, it is likely that you succeed in delivering with a knock out cross punch with such a simple technique.
In order to increase the effect, you can try some other variations with your cross punch as well.
Keep in mind that you rotate your rear foot and avoid compromising your guard by leaning forward.
2. Power and Agility
Speed kills and when you have both speed and power, the hit will be critical. It is always advantageous if you throw your punch before your opponent. By speed, we do not mean to take action or respond haphazardly. Certainly, we mean to stay relaxed and act fast. To improve your hand speed and power, there are various drills that you can practice. For example, punching a heavy bag, speed bag, reflex bag and shadowboxing (especially shadowboxing in sand etc.).
Of all the drills, I find practicing with a heavy bag and double-ended bag very effective in this case. The heavy bag is effective and the best tool to develop power. The reason is that while you practice with a heavy bag, your fist gets used to having a real impact in response. Moreover, it allows you to practice your combination while challenging your speed and velocity. You can easily take a count on your capacity of maintaining a certain speed with time and improve it. However, a double-ended bag helps you achieve accuracy.
It is noteworthy that your distance from your target is important. If you are standing too close or too far, it will reduce the power behind your punch for sure.
3. Set your plot
No doubt, the cross is a knockout punch. However like every successful trick your cross also needs a proper plot. Here we tell you how you can set a nice and effective plot to fire a cross.
You can start with a strong jab and then launch a cross behind your opponent’s defense. For such a cross you must consider targeting the head or midsection. Even if your opponent is agile enough to block, still it can give you that one second where you can have your opponent without movement. You can also try some other feints such as doubling up your jab or a hook.
4. Transfer full power
If you aim to launch a knockout blow you should consider punching through the target. Punching through the target transfers the maximum of the energy you have generated. It causes deeper damage to the body of your opponent. Even if he steps back, you will still be able to connect the punch.
You can also try the snapping effect. It is not as effective as punching through the target, however, it guards your defense while your attack.
However, punching through the target might leave you vulnerable. Hence, it is better to practice the technique before applying it inside the ring. You must learn to guard your defense by bringing it up immediately after throwing the punch.
5. Turning over the punch
We have talked about giving power, speed and proper technique to your punch. Now, we discuss the last trick which is to twist your punch right before the moment of impact. Dig in your knuckles to cause the maximum damage.
You may know already that the two primary knuckles are the strongest ones as they run along the forearms. However, too much pressure on the last two knuckles can cause serious damage to the connected small bones. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you turn your punch inwards in the direction of your opponent. Moreover, while you are punching, always keep your thumb outward.
Keynote: Keep improving your techniques. Practice various possible combinations and learn the impacts. Hence, you can improvise wisely inside the ring.
