Rear Cross Like Manny Pacquiao
Opposites attract…
Ok maybe not but having an opposite lead from your opponent gives you a great way in and a safe place to go after you land your strike…
Stay tuned to find out how to land a rear cross like Manny PACMAN Pacquiao and then wind up to your opponent’s outside or in a Thai clench.
When your opponent has an orthodox (or left) lead they are vulnerable to a southpaw (or right) lead cross right through the middle.
Manny Pacquiao is one of the best at landing that rear left cross right through the middle of his opponent’s guards.
How to Do the Rear Cross Like Pacquiao
Start off in a good right (southpaw) lead against a left (orthodox) lead partner.
Now step forward at a 45 degree angle to the outside of your opponent’s lead hand.
Fire your rear left cross right through the middle of his guard.
Notice in the image above that I place my free left hand in front of my face as I go in.
I then proactively reach out to check or trap my training partner’s lead hand.
You want to do this so you don’t walk right into a jab or short lead hook.
You do not need to worry about their rear hand because you are moving away from it.
Tip to NOT Telegraph Your Rear Cross
In most cases your jab is your lead attack that is meant to make the initial strike to set up a power shot.
Your cross is usually that power shot that follows up.
If you try and make your lead a power shot you will telegraph it by winding up.
This will give your opponent time to see it coming.
So if you were to throw a power rear cross you would step and build up that torque in your body and then fire off the rear cross.
In this case to get rid of the telegraph your rear cross will fire out at the same time that you step.
Step 45 degrees to the right while at the same exact time your fist or palm from your rear cross fires out.
This takes some practice but it is well worth it.
Follow Up Your Rear Cross
Ok so now what?
You have multiple options but remember you are always trying to get through kickboxing range into a clench where you can end the fight with headbutts, knees, elbows, kicks to the testicles, and maybe throws.
Don’t stand still and start swinging punches after your rear cross lands or your opponent will start doing the same and now you are playing a game of who connects the better punch first…
A terrible tactic for fighting.
So do an extra hop around them as you do a lead (right hand) ear slap (a hook punch with an open palm).
Or circle step around to their back as you deliver a lead straight palm strike with the right hand.
Or simple yank down on their lead left hand with your right hand that you are checking with and pull them straight into a Thai clench.
If your rear cross knocked them backwards out of reach then you can straight blast in and then Thai clench them.
Conclusion
If you fight with a right lead practice this and you will likely find a new entry to use from just outside of your opponent’s punching range.
Remember however that it takes amazing footwork to transition from range to range.
Until next time,
Brian
