If you're a kickboxer who can only throw single punches or kicks, you're going to be in for a long match. A skilled opponent can easily evade most single strikes, while also throwing counterpunches and kicks, which will leave you frustrated and bruised. Well-timed, multistrike combinations are the way to go; effectively landing just one in a match will make you want to develop this skill.
Double Jab-Cross-Hook-Kick
Many kickboxers begin combinations with a jab, but when you throw a double jab, you can often disrupt your opponent's defense or counterattack. Throw a double jab to your opponent's head, followed by a cross and a left hook to the head. The four consecutive head strikes can trick the opponent into thinking that a body shot is coming, which can make her drop her guard slightly. Finish the combination with a high kick, which should pass over her guard.
Kick-Jab-Cross
A key to effective kickboxing strikes is to mix up the the location of your punches and kicks. If all the strikes in a combination are to the head, for example, your opponent will just hide behind her guard or even throw a low kick at you. To keep your opponent guessing, lead with a low kick and then immediately throw a jab and cross. The simplicity of this combination is effective by itself, but you can use it to set up additional strikes depending on how the opponent reacts.
Jab-Cross-Kick
When you have your opponent on the ropes, she'll expect short, compact strikes, rather than sweeping attacks. Throw a series of jabs followed by some crosses; three or four jabs and three or four crosses make for an effective high combination. Instead of continuing to pressure her on the ropes, take a quick step backward and throw a roundhouse kick to the head or body, depending on where you see an opening.
Jab-Kick-Cross-Uppercut-Kick
When your opponent is a few feet from the ropes, an effective combination can drive her backward, at which point you can pin her against the ropes and attack. Throw a jab, followed by a left or right kick, depending how she's holding her guard. After the kick, move in quickly with a cross and a left-handed uppercut, which should push her back toward the ropes. Then, quickly throw a front kick to her face with your back foot before she has a chance to escape.
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Writer Bio
Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.