Mastering setup shots is crucial in a fight. If you know how to set up your punches, you'll land your power shots consistently.

A setup shot is just a punch or kick you throw to create an opening for the shot you want to land.

In this post, I'll walk you through 2 simple yet highly effective setups to help you land your power shots: the cross and the lead hook to the body or head.

Video Breakdown

Setup 1: Pawn Jab to Land Your Cross

The first setup focuses on landing your cross is using a pawing jab.

Think of it as sticking your jab hand out to paw your opponent in order to gauge distance, get in range, annoy, distract and setup power shots.

Here's how it works:

• Use the pawing jab to touch your opponent, get in range, and gauge their reaction
• Move around, staying methodical and throw the pawn jab to annoy or distract them
• Watch how they react; when you see an opening, fire off your power cross

This setup is simple but highly effective.

Walk around, use your footwork, and keep touching with the pawn jab. When you spot the opportunity, throw that clean, powerful cross to the target.

Setup 2: Flash Cross to Land Your Lead Hook

The second setup is for landing your lead hook to the body or head, using a flash cross as your setup shot.

Unlike a power cross, the flash cross isn't meant to land hard or knock him out. Its purpose is to position your body and provoke a reaction, opening up space for your lead hook.

Here's the process:

• Throw a flash cross gauge your opponent's reaction
• Watch what they do. If they raise their hands to protect their face, the body opens up. If they react in another way, you might see a clear shot to their head
• As they react to the flash cross, deliver your lead hook to the body (like a liver shot) or to the head

Don't throw your flash cross too fast. If you do, they might not even see it. Slow it down. Remember, it's a setup shot.

General Tips for Both Setups

For both the pawing jab and flash cross, patience and observation are key.

Here's how to maximize these setups:

• Throw a few setup shots and move around, using footwork to assess your opponent's reactions
• Be methodical; watch for patterns, most react the same way consistently
• When you spot the opening, replicate the setup to elicit the same reaction, then throw your power shot: a cross, lead hook to the body, or lead hook to the head

Learn More with Striking Fundamentals

If you want to master striking techniques, check out Striking Fundamentals Vol.1 and 2.

These programs cover the 11 key punches you need to know and over 20 combinations to master.

Start with Volume 1 to nail down the fundamental 4 punches, then move to Volume 2 for an additional 7 punches and advanced combinations.

With these programs, you'll build a solid foundation for landing your power shots effectively.