Cross to the body

Basic Punch Review:

Cross to the body

     There are two basic ways to throw a cross to the body of an opponent in boxing.  As with the basic cross, you will pivot into the punch to generate power, but do not lean into the punch.  Remember, we want to stay on balance and we do not want to be open to a counter punch.  Keep those hands up the whole time! 

     The first way to throw a cross to the body is by first dipping down to the level of the target; the pit of the stomach, then throwing the cross.  Remember to bend with the knees, not the back.  Do not get down so low that your knees touch the canvas.  With practice, you'll be able to make this more of a simultaneous movement instead of getting down first, then throwing the punch. 

     The other way to throw a cross to the body is by taking a half-step to the outside (refer to angles), dipping down, then throwing the cross.  From this position, you can pivot out and attack from another angle or simply step away to avoid a counter-punch.