How to Jab
The jab is a punch that is thrown with the lead hand and is an essential part of a boxer's arsenal. It is a quick, straight punch that is used to test the range and defences of an opponent, set up combinations, and score points. The jab is a versatile punch that can be used for both offense and defence, and it is an essential tool for any boxer looking to improve their skills in the ring.
In terms of its importance for offense, the jab is a punch that can be used to establish range and control the pace of a fight. By throwing jabs repeatedly, a boxer can keep their opponent at a distance and make it difficult for them to get inside and land shots. The jab can also be used to set up combinations, as it can create openings for follow-up punches and disrupt an opponent's defence.
In terms of its importance for defence, the jab can be used as a blocking or parrying tool to deflect an opponent's punches and create space. It can also be used to disrupt an opponent's timing and rhythm, making it more difficult for them to land clean shots.
In terms of fitness, the jab is a great exercise for improving hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and overall cardiovascular fitness. Throwing jabs repeatedly as part of a shadowboxing or bag work routine can help improve muscle endurance and improve overall punching power.
Overall, the jab is an essential punch in boxing that is versatile and important for both offense and defence. It is a punch that requires proper technique and can be a valuable tool for any boxer looking to improve their skills in the ring. It is also an excellent exercise for improving hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and overall fitness.
Below is a basic outline of the jab along with common mistakes to avoid:
Starting Position
Orthodox stance (Southpaws reverse ‘right’ and ‘left’):
Feet shoulder-width apart.
Step the right foot back.
Turn the heels 45-degrees.
Lift the rear heel up.
Bend the knees.
Elbows on the ribs.
Wrists straight.
Fingers tucked under thumbs.
Hands to chin.
Chin down.
The Jab
Extend the lead hand.
Turn the hips.
Turn the knuckles over, knuckles up.
Clench fist before impact.
Exhale.
Punch through the target.
Lead shoulder raised over the side of the jaw.
Rear hand protecting the chin.
Relax the hand after impact.
Retract the hand to the guard.
Common Mistakes
Flat-footed stance.
Standing square to opponent.
Standing side-on to opponent.
Locked knees.
Flaring elbows.
Low hands.
Wrists bent.
Thumbs tucked under fingers.
High chin.
Eyes distracted.
Holding the breath or inhaling.
Locking the hip.
Telegraphing with the elbow flare.
Not fully extending.
Hand vertical.
Unclenched hand before impact.
Punching at the target, not through it.
Low shoulder on impact.
Dropping the guard.
Tensing hands and arms the whole time.
Not retracting back to a guard.
30 Types of Jab
The jab is the most important punch in boxing because it is so versatile. It is used to attack, defend, measure, assess, distract, frustrate and overwhelm an opponent …and the list goes on.
Not only that, but there are different types of jab. Here is a list of 30 types to help you develop a technical, varied, and unpredictable jab yourself:
Orthodox Jab: A straight punch with the left hand from a left-hand leading stance.
Southpaw Jab: A straight punch with the right hand from a right-hand leading stance.
Out-fighter Jab: A straight punch at maximum range to keep a shorter fighter at bay.
In-fighter Jab: A short straight punch at minimal range to set-up hooks and uppercuts.
Power Jab: A step forward with the jab and a rotation from the hips.
Philly-Shell Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand from a low lead-hand stance.
Cross-Guard Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand from a cross-armed stance.
Standing Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand without a step.
Half-Step Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand with a single leg step.
Full-Step Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand with a complete change in position.
Pivot-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while changing angle.
Double Jab / Triple Jab: Two or three straight punches with the lead hand.
Lateral-Step Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while moving laterally.
Angle-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand at a specific angle, e.g. 2 o’clock.
Skip Jab: A galloping motion before a straight punch with the lead hand.
Switch Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while stepping to change stance.
Shift Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while skipping to switch stance.
Slip-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while simultaneously dodging a punch.
Roll-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while simultaneously ducking a punch.
Pull-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while leaning back.
Low-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand to the body.
Up Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand with the palm facing up.
Catch-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while catching the opponent’s jab.
Block-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while blocking the opponent’s hook.
Elbow-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand while blocking a body shot.
Feint-Jab: A fake straight punch with the lead hand designed to set-up an attack.
Blinding-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand to block the opponent’s vision.
Touch-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand without power designed to distract.
Opening-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand to open the opponent’s guard.
Control-Jab: A straight punch with the lead hand to stop or manoeuvre the opponent.
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