Jab → Cross → Rear Head Kick
IntermediateJab to Cross to Rear Head Kick hides a head kick behind the hands: the punches hold the eyes at head height, and the kick comes over the shoulder on the same rotation as the cross.
What this combo trains
This combo trains the punch-to-kick transition that defines Muay Thai striking. Keeping the hands at head level fixes the opponent's attention and guard high, and the head kick travels over the shoulder along the cross's rotation, so it arrives disguised. It develops range management, the timing to flow from hands to shin, and the balance to launch a high kick straight off a punch.
Step by step
- 1.Jab
Snap the jab out to find range and hold their eyes high, setting the frame for what follows.
- 2.Cross
Fire the cross straight down the middle off the rear hand, keeping their attention and guard at head height.
- 3.Rear Head Kick
On the same rotation as the cross, swing the rear roundhouse high over the shoulder into the head, turning the hip and standing tall through the kick.
Common mistakes
- Dropping the hands as you kick, so the head is exposed and the guard was never held high.
- Pausing between the cross and the kick, which lets the guard drop back into place and telegraphs the finish.
- Chambering the kick low or lifting the knee too little, so it lands as a body kick instead of the head.
- Not turning the hip and support foot over, leaving the kick short and slapping rather than swinging through.
Who it suits
An intermediate punch-to-kick combo for Muay Thai and kickboxing at mid range. It works from both orthodox and southpaw because the app mirrors every left and right to your stance.
Why it works
The hands hold the eyes at head height, and the kick comes over the shoulder on the same rotation as the cross.