Jab Cross Left Hook Cross Combo

Muscles worked

Setup

1. Stand in a standard boxing stance with your non-dominant foot forward and feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Keep your knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and hands up protecting your chin.
3. Tuck your elbows into your ribs and keep your chin slightly down.

How to do it

1. Jab: Snap your lead hand straight out, rotating your fist so the palm faces down, and exhale sharply.
2. Cross: Pivot on your rear foot and rotate your hips to throw a straight punch with your rear hand, exhaling on impact.
3. Left Hook: Pivot on your lead foot, bringing your lead arm up at a 90-degree angle parallel to the floor, and rotate your torso through the strike.
4. Cross: Finish with a second powerful straight punch from the rear hand, then immediately snap back into your defensive stance.

Form checklist

• Keep the non-punching hand glued to your face for protection at all times.
• Ensure power comes from hip rotation and leg drive, not just the arms.
• Fully extend your arms on the Jab and Cross without locking the elbows.
• Keep your lead shoulder high during the hook to protect your chin.

Pro tips

• Focus on 'snapping' your punches back to your face faster than you threw them to improve hand speed and defense.
• Maintain a rhythmic exhale with every single punch to stabilize your core and prevent fatigue.
• Visualize hitting a target at eye level to ensure your punches don't dip or rise unnecessarily.

Make it harder

• Add a 'slip' or a 'roll' after the final Cross to incorporate defensive head movement and extra leg work.
• Hold light dumbbells (1-2 lbs) to increase the demand on the deltoids and improve punching endurance.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the jab cross left hook cross combo work?

The jab cross left hook cross combo primarily targets the calves, deltoids, pectorals, and quadriceps, and also works the biceps, forearms, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for the jab cross left hook cross combo?

The jab cross left hook cross combo requires no equipment — just your body weight.

Is the jab cross left hook cross combo good for beginners?

The jab cross left hook cross combo is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.

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