10 Kickboxing Combos to Improve Your Speed

Speed in kickboxing is not just about moving fast. It is about the quick execution of techniques, sharp reflexes, and the ability to chain movements together smoothly. Faster combinations can overwhelm an opponent and create openings for powerful strikes. Practicing specific combos is a proven way to develop this crucial skill. The following ten combinations are excellent for building speed, timing, and fluidity.

1. The Speed Jab-Cross (1-2)

The jab-cross combination, often referred to as the 1-2, is the most fundamental and essential combo in all of striking disciplines. While simple in concept, mastering its speed and timing takes consistent practice and attention to detail. The secret to executing this combination with speed lies in relaxation and snap. Start by throwing the jab—ensure your lead hand travels straight out and snaps back to your face quickly. The jab should be sharp and precise, delivering a quick "pop" on the target.

As the jab retracts, seamlessly transition into the cross, allowing your rear hand to travel straight down the centerline with power and accuracy. The cross should not be a delayed step but rather an immediate follow-up after retracting the jab. Think of the rhythm as "pop-pop," with both punches flowing into each other smoothly, rather than feeling like two separate actions. Focus on proper form by twisting your hips and shifting your weight as you throw the cross to generate power. Practicing on a heavy bag is ideal—concentrate on keeping movements minimal and efficient while always bringing your hands back to your guard after every punch. Over time, this basic yet critical combination will teach you speed, precision, and fluidity.

2. Foundational Drills for Better Kickboxing

This combination is perfect for improving your ability to incorporate level changes and angles into your game. A great way to start is with the classic jab-cross to gauge distance and engage with your target. Begin by throwing the jab followed immediately by the cross. Both punches should be crisp and controlled, allowing you to measure the effectiveness of your strikes. Instead of retreating after the cross, however, you'll pivot on your back foot, angling slightly to the outside of your opponent. This pivot not only sets you up for your next strike but also moves you off the centerline, making it harder for your opponent to counter.

After the pivot, throw a rear leg roundhouse kick with speed and accuracy. The shift in positioning as a result of the pivot allows the kick to come from an unexpected angle, increasing its effectiveness. To solidify this sequence, focus on flowing from one movement to the next without hesitation. The jab-cross serves as a distraction, the pivot creates the opening, and the rear kick delivers the finishing blow. The complete kickboxing sequence—Jab, Cross, Pivot, Rear Kick—should feel like one fluid motion. Practice this drill repeatedly until your transitions become seamless, teaching you the importance of angles, fluid combinations, and setting up strikes that are difficult for an opponent to read.

3. Hook to the Body, Hook to the Head

This combination is a perfect example of level-changing strikes that force an opponent to guard multiple areas in quick succession. The technique begins with a lead hook to the body, targeting the opponent’s ribs or liver. This strike is designed to draw the opponent's attention downward, encouraging them to drop their elbows and open up their upper guard. For the hook to the body to be effective, step slightly to the outside of the opponent’s lead foot (if applicable) as you deliver the punch, angling yourself to both increase the power of the blow and reduce your vulnerability to counters.

Immediately after landing the body hook, use the recoil to your advantage by pushing off your lead leg and firing a hook to the head with the same hand. The power of the second hook comes from the stored momentum of the first punch and the twist of your hips and shoulders. Keeping the motion fluid is critical—there should be no delay or pause between the two hooks. The body-to-head sequence exploits the opponent’s attempt to guard one level, creating an opening at the opposite one.

For added success, ensure the hooks are tight and controlled, with your elbow at a 90-degree angle during the punch. Remember to keep your opposite hand up to protect your face throughout the sequence. When performing this combination in training or sparring, maintain proper foot positioning and balance, as overcommitting to one punch can leave you exposed to counterattacks. Regular drills to work on speed, power, and recovery between punches will make this an invaluable weapon in your arsenal.

4. Elevate Your Fitness with Dynamic Kickboxing Workouts

This combination highlights how effective defensive movements with Kickboxing Workouts can seamlessly integrate with offensive techniques, leveraging speed and positioning to their fullest potential. Start by throwing a sharp, direct jab. The jab not only helps measure distance but also provides a distraction, encouraging your opponent to respond or defend. Once the jab begins to retract, immediately initiate a head slip to the outside of your lead shoulder, simulating the movement of dodging an opponent's counter jab.

The slip is key to this combination. Not only does it move your head off the centerline, making you more difficult to hit, but it also sets up the mechanics for a powerful counterattack. With your head and upper body slightly off-center, your rear hip is now loaded, providing the rotation needed to execute a fast and forceful rear leg roundhouse kick.

Upon slipping the punch, whip your rear leg forward in one smooth motion, aiming the kick at either the opponent’s midsection or legs, depending on your target and strategy. Ensure that your pivoting foot on the supporting leg rotates outward to allow the hips to open fully, maximizing both the power and range of the kick. The beauty of this combination lies in its efficiency—the jab acts as both a strike and a setup, the slip enables dodging while loading the kick, and the roundhouse is the finishing blow that completes the sequence.

For training purposes, practice this combo slowly at first to build fluidity between the jab, slip, and kick. Once comfortable with the mechanics, increase the speed but prioritize maintaining balance and control. Shadowboxing, heavy bag drills, and partner pad work are excellent ways to fine-tune this sequence, making it both a practical defensive and offensive tool.

5. The Triple Threat

The Triple Threat is a classic three-punch combination that relies on clean technique, fluid motion, and relentless forward momentum. It begins with a jab—thrown sharply toward an opponent’s face or guard. The jab serves as an essential range-finder, disrupting the opponent's defense while allowing you to establish control of the engagement.

Without hesitation, follow the jab with a cross. The cross utilizes the momentum generated by the jab to deliver a powerful, straight punch from your rear hand. Make sure to rotate your hips and shoulders fully into the cross for maximum force. The key here is to maintain balance and ensure your weight shifts slightly forward but not so much that it compromises your stability. The cross flows naturally from the jab; visualize it as a continuation of the same motion rather than two distinct steps.

Finally, complete the sequence with a lead hook. The lead hook capitalizes on the weight transfer from the cross, using the rotation of your body to swing your lead fist in a tight, controlled arc toward the side of your opponent’s head. Like the hooks in the earlier body-to-head combination, ensure the motion remains compact to maximize speed and reduce vulnerability during the execution.

The essence of the Triple Threat combination lies in its seamless flow. None of the punches should feel disjointed; instead, they should blend into one another as part of a continuous rhythm. Pay particular attention to your stance and guard throughout the sequence—keeping your non-punching hand up is critical to protecting yourself against counterattacks.

To master the Triple Threat, focus on drilling the combination repetitively at varying speeds and angles. Incorporate shadowboxing to refine the mechanics, bag work for power, and mitt drills with a trainer or partner to ensure timing and accuracy. Once ingrained, this combination becomes an invaluable tool, offering a versatile, high-pressure attack that can adapt to countless scenarios within a sparring or fight setting.

6. A Powerful Way to Boost Your Cardio

This classic combination is highly effective for building incredible stamina and cultivating the conditioning required for sustained intensity. The sequence begins with a jab, followed by a cross, and immediately transitions into a lead hook. These three fast punches serve to set up the final and most challenging element of the combo for Boost Your Cardio. Without allowing any hesitation, plant your lead foot firmly to establish balance and fire off a powerful rear leg roundhouse kick.

The key to executing this combination successfully lies in maintaining both speed and power throughout the entire sequence. The punches should be crisp, fluid, and well-chained, forcing your opponent to stay on the defensive while you drive them back. The challenge increases when you reach the roundhouse kick, as fatigue from the punches can affect your ability to keep the kick explosive and accurate. Focus on generating momentum from the rotation of your upper body and hips, ensuring a seamless transition from the lead hook to the kick.

Training this combination is best done through high-intensity drills. Start by shadowboxing the sequence at half speed, focusing on technique. Gradually increase to full speed with a heavy bag, pushing yourself to maintain power throughout all four strikes. Incorporate multiple rounds of this combo during your workout to enhance endurance. This sequence is a staple for anyone looking to sharpen stamina and condition the body for rapid bursts of punches and kicks.

7. Uppercut to Head Kick

A masterful short-to-long range combination, the Uppercut to Head Kick capitalizes on deception and fluidity of motion. It begins with feinting a jab. The purpose of the feint is to force your opponent into raising their guard, creating an opening to exploit. With their attention drawn upward, step in slightly and throw a rear uppercut underneath their guard. This strike not only lands a powerful blow but also sets the stage for the final move of the combo.

The upward trajectory of the uppercut aids in generating rotational energy through your torso. This momentum is critical, as it helps you chamber your lead leg quickly for a roundhouse kick to the head. Delivered with speed and precision, this kick often catches opponents off guard due to the sequence's setup. The feint and uppercut effectively disrupt their positioning, making it difficult to defend against the sudden high kick.

To master this combination, practice the elements individually before chaining them together. First, refine your jab feints to make them convincing. Then work on your rear uppercut, ensuring it is delivered with a slight upward motion and proper pivoting of the rear foot for maximum power. Finally, drill the lead leg roundhouse kick, concentrating on speed and placement to land it effectively. When combined, these movements create a devastating combo that transitions smoothly from close to long range, perfect for surprising any opponent.

8. Finding the Right Gym is Key to Progress

The advanced switch-step kick combination is a technical move that challenges your footwork, timing, and coordination. Start the sequence by throwing a hard, well-placed cross aimed at your opponent’s centerline. This cross serves a dual purpose—it not only creates a distraction but also forces your opponent to react, potentially exposing vulnerabilities in their stance.

The next step, and perhaps the most critical, is the switch. Without pausing after the cross, quickly switch your feet by stepping your rear foot forward and your lead foot back. This motion generates explosive power while also allowing you to cover distance toward your opponent. The switch must be performed as one smooth, compact motion to prevent your timing from being interrupted. Immediately after the switch, fire a rear leg roundhouse kick, aiming for your opponent’s midsection or head. The combination of the hard cross and the swift kick makes this sequence highly effective, as the opponent’s focus will likely remain on the cross, leaving them vulnerable to the follow-up attack.

When training this combination, focus on making the switch seamless. Practice the footwork until it becomes instinctive and flows naturally after the cross. Drilling on a heavy bag is particularly effective for fine-tuning the timing between the punch and the kick. Incorporate this combo into combination rounds or partner drills, building confidence in using it during live sparring. This advanced sequence is a prime example of how proper technique, conditioning, and decision-making are essential to elevating your striking game.

9. The Four-Piece Combo

The Four-Piece Combo is an excellent drill for developing speed endurance and rhythm in your striking. The sequence—Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, and Rear Uppercut—challenges your ability to maintain flow and timing across multiple strikes while ensuring each punch is sharp and purposeful. The key to mastering this combination lies in maintaining a steady rhythm, especially as you approach the fourth and final strike. Many practitioners tend to slow down when performing the uppercut after the hook, but the goal here is to make the transition seamless. The uppercut should naturally follow the hook, using the momentum generated from the previous punches to drive upward with power and accuracy.

To practice, start by slowing the combination down and focusing on each individual strike. Ensure the jab and cross are crisp and precise, setting up the hook and uppercut effectively. Once you’re comfortable with the mechanics of each strike, work on speeding up the entire sequence while preserving proper technique. Drilling this combination on a heavy bag allows you to focus on delivering the punches with consistent intensity. Eventually, aim to execute all four strikes in a single, sharp burst of speed without losing control over your form or power. With regular practice, the Four-Piece Combo will serve as a valuable tool for both offense and rhythm in your striking game.

10. Speed and Power Finisher

The Speed and Power Finisher is designed to push your limits, combining multiple techniques in a long and grueling combination that requires cardiovascular endurance, technical precision, and explosive power. The sequence begins with a jab-cross to the head, setting a strong and fast opening. These punches should be quick, snapping the opponent’s attention upward and creating the perfect setup for the next strike. From there, immediately follow with a lead hook aimed at the body. This strike should be delivered with a powerful torque of your hips, digging into the target with intent to compromise their stance or guard. After the hook to the body, come back up with a sharp rear uppercut, using the upward motion to regain your vertical positioning.

To close out the combination, finish with a rear leg roundhouse kick. This adds a devastating final blow to the sequence, utilizing the momentum from your uppercut to twist into the kick with full-body rotation. The roundhouse kick should be high and powerful, aimed at the head or torso of your opponent, depending on your preferred target.

Executing this combination correctly requires full-body coordination and an ability to control your breathing and energy output. Practicing the Speed and Power Finisher on the heavy bag is essential to ensure every strike is explosive yet efficient. Work on maintaining your speed from start to finish without sacrificing your form, ensuring that each individual strike lands cleanly. Incorporating this combo into your training will not only refine your technique but also test and improve your endurance, helping you maintain effectiveness throughout longer exchanges in live sparring or competition.

Conclusion

Consistent practice of these combinations will lead to noticeable improvements in speed, coordination, and overall kickboxing near me. Start slowly to master the form and footwork of each combo. Once the movements feel natural, gradually increase your speed. Focus on clean technique first, and the velocity will follow.