5 Muay Thai Pad Work Combinations

By Sean Fagan

Muay Thai pad work: the essential conditioning tool for fighters and enthusiasts alike. Not only does it hone your technique and improve your striking power, but it also helps you work on your timing and agility. To capitalize on all these benefits, it's vital to include a range of different combinations throughout your pad work sessions. Here are some of the best Muay Thai combinations to use during your pad work.

1. Jab, cross, hook, low kick

The jab, cross, hook, low kick (as well as its reverse counterpart: jab, cross, hook, body kick) is the quintessential go-to combination for any Muay Thai fighter worth their salt. It's a simple yet effective one that can be easily tweaked according to your opponent's movements. It's also great for honing your technique, particularly your footwork, weight shifting, and timing.

2. Jab, cross, lead elbow, low kick

Elbow strikes are one of the most feared and effective weapons in Muay Thai. Combining the lead elbow with a jab, cross, and low kick is a fantastic way to catch your opponent off-guard and inflict some serious damage. Take care to practice the technique slowly at first, so you don't injure your partner holding the pads.

3. Jab, cross, hook, switch kick

The switch kick is a powerful and fast kick designed to catch your opponent off-guard. When combined with the classic jab, cross, hook combination, it can lead to some devastating results. A word of caution: the switch kick requires some practice to execute correctly, as it involves a quick foot switch that can throw your balance off if done incorrectly.

4. Jab, cross, rear body kick

The rear body kick is an excellent strike for targeting your opponent's midsection and can be thrown with devastating power. When combined with the jab, cross combination, it makes for a straightforward yet effective combination. Take care to pivot on your standing foot when delivering the kick, as this will help generate more power.

5. Jab, lead hook, rear uppercut, low kick

This advanced combination requires some speed and fluidity of movement but is a fantastic way to catch your opponent off-guard. The lead hook and rear uppercut strikes are designed to work together, with the hook targeting your opponent's head and the uppercut aiming for their chin. Follow this up with a low kick to keep your opponent off-balance and unable to counter.

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When it comes to Muay Thai pad work, it's essential to mix things up and work on a wide range of different combinations. Incorporating these five Muay Thai combinations during your pad work sessions is a great way to condition your body, hone your technique, and prepare yourself for the ring. Take care to practice each combination slowly at first and gradually increase the speed and power as you become more comfortable. With time and practice, these combinations will become second nature, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled Muay Thai fighter.