***The Jab***
The Jab (use mirror and must check stance before starting).
Punching Techniques
To master this punch and improve, you must begin and practice your jabs from a SOLID BOXING STANCE.
When ready start throwing your jab standing in place. From the beginning to end maintain balance and control (think form).
This punch has many purposes:
- Measure the distance between you and your opponent.
- Use it to set up other punches and punch combinations.
- Or simply to score as a solid blow.
Speed and form are the most important considerations.
- Jab starts with hands in proper position thumb up,ends at full extension thumb down (pronation).
- Complete extension of arm; elbow down like a hinge facing down.
Extend punch 1/3 of the way out the spin palm and thumb down, opening scoring face of glove. Keeping elbow down.
- Your jab should 'snap' as it accelerates, hits your target (heavy bag or target mitts) and recover. As quick as you snap the jab to the target, quickly bring it back to the on guard position (home).
- Always step with the jab (small controlled steps move feet as quicly as hands).
- It is important that the movement of your feet coincides with the movement and placement of your punch. Properly stepping with the jab is essential.
- When throwing the jab, step forward with your left foot. A perfect jab your punch should reach its target at the same time your foot hits the floor.
- A snapping, stabbing punch - do not flick- you want to hear snap or pop. A triple jab should sound like "snap,crackle,pop".
- Twist shoulder behind punch for power jab.
- When jabbing your power hand must be back and up on defense (don’t drop your hands).
- Most important punch, use it to set up your combinations.
- Straight out, straight back quickly. All the way out all the way back.
- Thumb up start, thumb down full extension, thumb up back home.
John Duddy throwing a sharp jab.
Great Jabs: Joe Louis, Ray Robinson,Muhammed Ali, Larry Holmes, Jermaine Taylor, Jimmy Young.
