BOXING TIPS

THE JAB

In my opinion, the most important punch in boxing is the jab. By using the jab, offensively, you can drive your opponent backwards and keep him from getting set, which enables you to set up your combinations. Or, it can stop your opponent’s aggression as he comes at you and allow you to counter punch and catch him with combos or a powerful right hand as he comes to you. More power from your right hand is generated by you being set and your opponent’s weight coming towards you. The jab stops him. This makes your punch harder and it gives you the leverage. By going forward with the jab, your power can be very effective if it can be generated by pushing off with your rear foot. That way all your body weight will come forward with your jab.

Another way to power jab is to first lead with a right cross, then jab. And, as you throw the jab, turn your heal outward as if throwing a left hook. This puts your weight behind the punch.

There are different positions for the jab that can be very effective. For instance, if your opponent has longer arms and can get the reach on you, you can make up the difference by throwing the jab with your arm extended from half way or three quarters of the way out rather than bringing it back to your chin. That way you will get there sooner. Short punches get there quicker than long ones do.

The most important use of the jab, to me, is to both start with the jab and end with the jab. Why? - Because to start with it will enable you to set up your combinations. To end with it will put you in a set position to counter, if need be, and keep your opponent from getting set, or in other words, keep him off balance and giving you position and leverage to punch.

Sarge

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