Cross vs. Jab — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
A cross is a powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand, crossing the body, while a jab is a quick, straight punch delivered with the lead hand.
Difference Between Cross and Jab
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In boxing and martial arts, the cross is known for its power and ability to reach an opponent from a longer range, as it utilizes the strength and rotation of the body. Whereas, the jab is primarily used for range finding, setting up other punches, and maintaining distance between fighters.
The cross punch is typically delivered as a follow-up or in combination after a jab. It involves a significant transfer of weight and body rotation, making it more forceful but also slightly slower. On the other hand, the jab is quicker and less telegraphed, making it ideal for disrupting an opponent's movements and gauging their reaction.
Due to its power, the cross is often used as a counterattack or to penetrate an opponent’s defense. It is a crucial punch in knocking down an opponent or gaining a strategic advantage. In contrast, the jab serves as a versatile tool for control, keeping opponents at bay, and setting the tempo of the fight.
While both punches are straight, the mechanics differ notably. The cross requires full body engagement, including pivoting the rear foot, rotating the hips, and extending the rear arm. The jab, however, is more about speed and efficiency, utilizing minimal movement for maximum effect.
In terms of defensive utility, the jab can be thrown while maintaining a defensive guard, as it leaves less of the body exposed. The cross, due to its full-body movement and longer extension, can leave a fighter more open to counterattacks if not executed correctly.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A powerful, straight punch with the rear hand.
A quick, straight punch with the lead hand.
Primary Use
Delivering powerful blows, counterattacking.
Setting up other punches, defense, maintaining distance.
Speed and Power
Slower but more powerful.
Faster, less powerful.
Body Mechanics
Full rotation involving hips and rear foot.
Minimal movement, quick extension.
Strategic Importance
Used for knockouts and breaking through defenses.
Used for control, measuring distance, and setting pace.
Compare with Definitions
Cross
Can leave the fighter exposed if missed.
Missing the cross left him open to a counterattack.
Jab
Used to gauge distance and set up combinations.
Her jab set up the perfect combination for a knockout.
Cross
A straight punch thrown with the rear hand, crossing the lead hand.
He knocked out his opponent with a strong cross.
Jab
Can be thrown repeatedly to keep an opponent off balance.
He kept jabbing to disrupt his opponent's rhythm.
Cross
Utilizes body rotation for power.
The boxer's cross was powered by a swift hip rotation.
Jab
Less risky and quick to recover from.
The jab allowed him to stay guarded and ready.
Cross
Requires good reach and timing.
Timing his cross perfectly, he caught his opponent off-guard.
Jab
A quick, direct punch from the lead hand.
He used a jab to maintain distance from his opponent.
Cross
Effective as a counter-strike.
She used a cross to counter her opponent's jab.
Jab
Integral for controlling the pace of the fight.
She controlled the fight with a consistent jab.
Cross
A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally.
Jab
A jab is a type of punch used in the martial arts. Several variations of the jab exist, but every jab shares these characteristics: while in a fighting stance, the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is fully extended from the side of the torso.
Cross
A mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×)
Place a cross against the preferred choice
Jab
To poke or thrust abruptly
Jabbed a knife into the log.
Cross
An upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion.
Jab
To stab or pierce
Jabbed the steak with a fork.
Cross
An animal or plant resulting from cross-breeding; a hybrid
A Galloway and shorthorn cross
Jab
To punch (someone) with short straight blows.
Cross
A pass of the ball across the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal
Beckham's low cross was turned into the net by Cole
Jab
To make an abrupt poking or thrusting motion
Jabbed at the pickles with his fork.
Cross
Go or extend across or to the other side of (an area, stretch of water, etc.)
A shadow of apprehension crossed her face
Two paths crossed the field
We crossed over the bridge
She has crossed the Atlantic twice
Jab
To deliver a short straight punch.
Cross
Pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect
The two lines cross at 90°
Jab
A quick stab or blow.
Cross
Draw a line or lines across; mark with a cross
Voters should ask one question before they cross today's ballot paper
Jab
(Sports) A short straight punch in boxing.
Cross
(of a person) make the sign of the cross in front of one's chest as a sign of Christian reverence or to invoke divine protection
Beatie crossed herself quickly at the mention of the dead
Jab
(Informal) A hypodermic injection.
Cross
Pass (the ball) across the field towards the centre when attacking
He could not get to the line to cross the ball
Powell crossed from the left
Jab
A quick stab or blow; a poking or thrusting motion.
Cross
Cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to breed with one of another species, breed, or variety
Many animals of the breed were crossed with the closely related Guernsey
Jab
(boxing) A short straight punch.
Cross
Oppose or stand in the way of (someone)
No one dared cross him
Jab
(British) A medical hypodermic injection (vaccination or inoculation)
Our dog was exposed to rabies, so the whole family went to a clinic to get our jabs.
Cross
Annoyed
He seemed to be very cross about something
Jab
A vaccination, whether or not delivered via conventional injection.
Cross
An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times.
Jab
A mild verbal insult.
Cross
Often Cross The cross upon which Jesus was crucified.
Jab
To poke or thrust abruptly, or to make such a motion.
Cross
A crucifix.
Jab
To deliver a quick punch.
Cross
Any of various modifications of the cross design, such as a Latin cross or Maltese cross.
Jab
To give someone an injection
Cross
A medal, emblem, or insignia in the form of a cross.
Jab
A thrust or stab.
Cross
Cross The Christian religion; Christianity.
Jab
A sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow);
He warned me with a jab with his finger
He made a thrusting motion with his fist
Cross
(Christianity) The sign of the cross.
Jab
A quick short straight punch
Cross
A trial, affliction, or frustration.
Jab
The act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow;
She gave me a sharp dig in the ribs
Cross
A mark or pattern formed by the intersection of two lines, especially such a mark (X) used as a signature.
Jab
Poke or thrust abruptly;
He jabbed his finger into her ribs
Cross
A movement from one place to another, as on a stage; a crossing.
Jab
Strike or punch quick and short blows
Cross
A pipe fitting with four branches in upright and transverse form, used as a junction for intersecting pipes.
Jab
Stab or pierce;
He jabbed the piece of meat with his pocket knife
Cross
(Biology) A plant or animal produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid.
Cross
One that combines the qualities of two other things
A novel that is a cross between romance and satire.
Cross
A hook thrown over an opponent's punch in boxing.
Cross
A pass made into the center of the field to a player in position to score, especially in soccer.
Cross
(Law) An act or instance of cross-examining; a cross-examination.
Cross
The Southern Cross.
Cross
(Slang) A contest whose outcome has been dishonestly prearranged.
Cross
To go or extend across; pass from one side of to the other
Crossed the room to greet us.
A bridge that crosses the bay.
Cross
To carry or conduct across something
Crossed the horses at the ford.
Cross
To extend or pass through or over; intersect
Elm Street crosses Oak Street.
Cross
(Sports) To propel (a ball or puck) as a cross, as in soccer.
Cross
To delete by drawing a line through
Crossed tasks off her list as she did them.
Cross
To eliminate or dismiss as unimportant or undesirable
“He thought about Mr. Fraser and crossed him off as an unknown quantity” (Scott O'Dell).
Cross
To make or put a line across
Cross and divide a circle.
Cross
To place crosswise one over the other
Cross one's legs.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon or over as a sign of devotion or blessing.
Cross
To encounter in passing
His path crossed mine.
Cross
To combine the qualities of two things
A movie that crosses horror with humor.
Cross
To interfere with; thwart or obstruct
Don't cross me.
Cross
To betray or deceive; double-cross. Often used with up.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize (plants or animals).
Cross
(Law) To cross-examine.
Cross
To lie or pass across each other; intersect.
Cross
To move or extend from one side to another
Crossed through Canada en route to Alaska.
Cross
To make a crossing
Crossed into Germany from Switzerland.
Cross
To meet in passing; come into conjunction
Their paths crossed at the health club.
Cross
To move or be conveyed in opposite directions at the same time
Our letters must have crossed in the mail.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize.
Cross
Lying or passing crosswise; intersecting
A cross street.
Cross
Contrary or counter; opposing.
Cross
Showing ill humor; annoyed.
Cross
Involving interchange; reciprocal.
Cross
Crossbred; hybrid.
Cross
Crosswise.
Cross
Across.
Cross
A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.
Put a cross for a wrong answer and a tick for a right one.
Cross
(heraldry) Any geometric figure having this or a similar shape, such as a cross of Lorraine or a Maltese cross.
Cross
A wooden post with a perpendicular beam attached and used (especially in the Roman Empire) to execute criminals (by crucifixion).
Criminals were commonly executed on a wooden cross.
Cross
(Christianity) Usually with the: the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Cross
(Christianity) A hand gesture made in imitation of the shape of the Cross.
She made the cross after swearing.
Cross
(Christianity) A modified representation of the crucifixion stake, worn as jewellery or displayed as a symbol of religious devotion.
She was wearing a cross on her necklace.
Cross
(figurative, from Christ's bearing of the cross) A difficult situation that must be endured.
It's a cross I must bear.
Cross
The act of going across; the act of passing from one side to the other
A quick cross of the road.
Cross
(biology) An animal or plant produced by crossbreeding or cross-fertilization.
Cross
(by extension) A hybrid of any kind.
Cross
(boxing) A hook thrown over the opponent's punch.
Cross
(football) A pass in which the ball is kicked from a side of the pitch to a position close to the opponent’s goal.
Cross
A place where roads intersect and lead off in four directions; a crossroad (common in UK and Irish place names such as Gerrards Cross).
Cross
A monument that marks such a place. (Also common in UK or Irish place names such as Charing Cross)
Cross
(obsolete) A coin stamped with the figure of a cross, or that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
(surveying) An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches whose axes usually form a right angle.
Cross
(Rubik's Cube) Four edge cubies of one side that are in their right places, forming the shape of a cross.
Cross
(cartomancy) The thirty-sixth Lenormand card.
Cross
(slang) crossfire.
Cross
Transverse; lying across the main direction.
At the end of each row were cross benches which linked the rows.
Cross
(archaic) Opposite, opposed to.
His actions were perversely cross to his own happiness.
Cross
Opposing, adverse; being contrary to what one would hope or wish for.
Cross
Bad-tempered, angry, annoyed.
She was rather cross about missing her train on the first day of the job.
Please don't get cross at me. (or) Please don't get cross with me.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged.
Cross interrogatories
Cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other
Cross
(nautical) Of the sea, having two wave systems traveling at oblique angles, due to the wind over shifting direction or the waves of two storm systems meeting.
Cross
(archaic) across
She walked cross the mountains.
Cross
Cross product of the previous vector and the following vector.
The Lorentz force is q times v cross B.
Cross
To make or form a cross.
Cross
To place across or athwart; to cause to intersect.
She frowned and crossed her arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something across, such as a line.
To cross the letter t
Cross
To mark with an X.
Cross the box which applies to you.
Cross
To write lines of text at right angles to and over the top of one another in order to save paper.W
Cross
To make the sign of the cross over oneself.
Cross
(transitive) To make the sign of the cross over (something or someone).
Cross
To move relatively.
Cross
(transitive) To go from one side of (something) to the other.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
You need to cross the street at the lights.
Cross
(intransitive) To travel in a direction or path that will intersect with that of another.
Ships crossing from starboard have right-of-way.
Cross
(transitive) To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
(sports) Relative movement by a player or of players.
Cross
(social) To oppose.
Cross
(transitive) To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.
"You'll rue the day you tried to cross me, Tom Hero!" bellowed the villain.
Cross
To interfere and cut off ; to debar.
Cross
(legal) To conduct a cross examination; to question a hostile witness.
Cross
(biology) To cross-fertilize or crossbreed.
They managed to cross a sheep with a goat.
Cross
(transitive) To stamp or mark (a cheque) in such a way as to prevent it being cashed, thus requiring it to be deposited into a bank account.
Cross
A gibbet, consisting of two pieces of timber placed transversely upon one another, in various forms, as a T, or +, with the horizontal piece below the upper end of the upright, or as an X. It was anciently used in the execution of criminals.
Nailed to the crossBy his own nation.
Cross
The sign or mark of the cross, made with the finger, or in ink, etc., or actually represented in some material; the symbol of Christ's death; the ensign and chosen symbol of Christianity, of a Christian people, and of Christendom.
The custom of making the sign of the cross with the hand or finger, as a means of conferring blessing or preserving from evil, is very old.
Before the cross has waned the crescent's ray.
Tis where the cross is preached.
Cross
Affiction regarded as a test of patience or virtue; trial; disappointment; opposition; misfortune.
Heaven prepares a good man with crosses.
Cross
A piece of money stamped with the figure of a cross, also, that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
I should bear no cross if I did bear you; for I think you have no money in your purse.
Cross
An appendage or ornament or anything in the form of a cross; a badge or ornamental device of the general shape of a cross; hence, such an ornament, even when varying considerably from that form; thus, the Cross of the British Order of St. George and St. Michael consists of a central medallion with seven arms radiating from it.
Cross
A monument in the form of a cross, or surmounted by a cross, set up in a public place; as, a market cross; a boundary cross; Charing Cross in London.
Dun-Edin's Cross, a pillared stone,Rose on a turret octagon.
Cross
A common heraldic bearing, of which there are many varieties. See the Illustration, above.
Cross
The crosslike mark or symbol used instead of a signature by those unable to write.
Five Kentish abbesses . . . .subscribed their names and crosses.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
A mixing of breeds or stock, especially in cattle breeding; or the product of such intermixture; a hybrid of any kind.
Toning down the ancient Viking into a sort of a cross between Paul Jones and Jeremy Diddler.
Cross
An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches the axes of which usually form's right angle.
Cross
Not parallel; lying or falling athwart; transverse; oblique; intersecting.
The cross refraction of the second prism.
Cross
Not accordant with what is wished or expected; interrupting; adverse; contrary; thwarting; perverse.
The cross and unlucky issue of my design.
The article of the resurrection seems to lie marvelously cross to the common experience of mankind.
We are both love's captives, but with fates so cross,One must be happy by the other's loss.
Cross
Characterized by, or in a state of, peevishness, fretfulness, or ill humor; as, a cross man or woman.
He had received a cross answer from his mistress.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged; as, cross interrogatories; cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other.
Cross
Athwart; across.
A fox was taking a walk one night cross a village.
Cross
To put across or athwart; to cause to intersect; as, to cross the arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something, as a line, across; as, to cross the letter t.
Cross
To pass from one side to the other of; to pass or move over; to traverse; as, to cross a stream.
A hunted hare . . . crosses and confounds her former track.
Cross
To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
To run counter to; to thwart; to obstruct; to hinder; to clash or interfere with.
In each thing give him way; cross him in nothing.
An oyster may be crossed in love.
Cross
To interfere and cut off; to debar.
To cross me from the golden time I look for.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon; - followed by the reflexive pronoun; as, he crossed himself.
Cross
To cancel by marking crosses on or over, or drawing a line across; to erase; - usually with out, off, or over; as, to cross out a name.
Cross
To cause to interbreed; - said of different stocks or races; to mix the breed of.
Cross
To lie or be athwart.
Cross
To move or pass from one side to the other, or from place to place; to make a transit; as, to cross from New York to Liverpool.
Cross
To be inconsistent.
Men's actions do not always cross with reason.
Cross
To interbreed, as races; to mix distinct breeds.
If two individuals of distinct races cross, a third is invariably produced different from either.
Cross
A wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
Cross
Marking consisting of crossing lines
Cross
A cross as an emblem of Christianity; used in heraldry
Cross
Any affliction that causes great suffering;
That is his cross to bear
He bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns
Cross
An organism that is the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock; especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties or breeds or species;
A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey
Cross
(genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
Cross
Travel across or pass over;
The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
Cross
Meet at a point
Cross
Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of;
What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
Foil your opponent
Cross
Fold so as to resemble a cross;
She crossed her legs
Cross
To cover or extend over an area or time period;
Rivers traverse the valley floor
The parking lot spans 3 acres
The novel spans three centuries
Cross
Meet and pass;
The trains crossed
Cross
Trace a line through or across;
Cross your `t'
Cross
Breed animals or plants using parents of different races and varieties;
Cross a horse and a donkey
Mendel tried crossbreeding
These species do not interbreed
Cross
Extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis;
Cross members should be all steel
From the transverse hall the stairway ascends gracefully
Transversal vibrations
Transverse colon
Cross
Perversely irritable
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes a cross from a jab in boxing?
A cross is a powerful rear-hand punch with body rotation, while a jab is a quicker, less powerful punch from the lead hand.
Is it common to use a jab and cross in combination?
Yes, a common combination is a jab followed by a cross, using the jab to set up and the cross to maximize impact.
What makes a cross more powerful than a jab?
The cross utilizes more body mechanics, including hip rotation and weight transfer, making it stronger.
Can a cross be used defensively?
Yes, though primarily offensive, a well-timed cross can effectively counter an opponent's aggressive moves.
What are the risks of using a cross?
If not landed properly, a cross can leave a fighter open to counterattacks due to its extended reach and body movement.
Why is the jab considered a defensive tool?
Its quick execution and minimal exposure make it ideal for defense and controlling distance.
How do fighters use the jab in strategic planning?
Fighters use the jab to test opponents' defenses, create openings, and set up more powerful punches.
How does a jab help in maintaining a fighter's defense?
By allowing the fighter to remain guarded and quickly retracting, it minimizes exposure to counterattacks.
How important is footwork in delivering a cross or a jab?
Footwork is crucial; it enhances the effectiveness, power, and speed of both punches.
What training focuses on improving jab and cross techniques?
Training typically focuses on speed, accuracy, footwork, and body mechanics to enhance both punches' effectiveness.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
