Despite the fact that jabs are less powerful punches, these help you gain easy points on the scoreboard. Hence, it’s important to work on perfecting your jab punch. Improve your jab technique and see how the fight changes in your favor.
Develop Boxing Jab Technique
To develop the jab technique, start by putting your gear on and then get into your boxing stance. If you’re someone with an orthodox stance, you will probably be throwing the jab with your left hand. While boxers with a Southpaw stance, tend to throw the jab with their right hand. You have to be careful about your movements. Follow the instructions provided in this guide.
The following are the instructions for throwing a jab for an Orthodox stance.
- Switch the hand and movement if you are a Southpaw.
- Beginning from your stance, you have to lean your elbows forward slightly.
- Raise your right hand higher to protect your chin.
- Twist your body slightly while rotating your fist and extending your arm in front of you for the jab.
- The palm should rotate down and knuckles up.
- The jab should come from the core, not from the arm’s strength.
- Shift your weight on the left leg and foot.
- Raise the right back foot slightly, but don’t pull it off the floor completely.
- Time it so that the body weight shifts and the jab movement happens at the same time.
- Your fist should be tight as it makes contact with the opponent’s head.
- When the left arm is extended, the chin should be right behind the shoulder to avoid any counter punches.
- The right hand should remain in place, in front of your chin, during the whole movement.
- Get back to your stance quickly and you can also take a step back to avoid the opponent’s counterattacks.
- Shift the weight back to the right foot and get back to your stance.
- The jab will help you set up a straight cross, uppercut, or hook. Always be on the lookout for that opening when you are throwing jabs.
The jab is not the strongest punch but it is very useful for both defensive and offensive movements. It helps you create space, set up other hits, and earn points for a decision win. Make sure you practice the movements slowly at first, then add a little speed while practicing these movements.
Mistakes To Avoid When Throwing A Boxing Jab
Beginners often make common mistakes while learning the jab punch. Mistakes like not aligning the elbow with the fist will not enable you to throw good jabs at your opponent.
Both elbows should be tucked in when in a normal stance and they should be moved in unison with the hands. If you flail your elbows around too much, your opponent will have a bigger target to hit.
Don’t Step Back
You should never throw a jab while taking a step back. It will lack power and accuracy and it will throw you off balance while allowing your opponent to attack.
Fist Movement Before Throwing A Jab
Some new boxers tighten their fist before they throw a jab. This takes more time and your jab is less powerful as a result of the delay.
Don’t Throw Your Weight Around
You don’t have to launch your whole weight forward for the jab. Doing that will put you in a risky position. Remember the purpose of a jab is not to knock out your opponent.
No ‘Arm’ Jabs
The power of a jab comes from adequate body movement. Just throwing your arm out for a punch without the core strength will make it ineffective.
Not Snapping The Jab
Jab is most effective when it is quick. Once you get the movement right, you can add speed and agility to the jab. Snap the hand towards your opponent like a whip, and leave him all surprised.
Not Punching Through
When you get the movement right and snap your hand, you will generate a jab that has good power and greater impact. Practice the movement repeatedly and keep adding speed as you progress. Make sure you have the right pair of boxing practice gloves when you start practicing jabs on a heavy punch bag.
RDX Sports has a wide variety of boxing gear equipment available for boxing enthusiasts and up-comers. Learn to throw the perfect jabs and tag us on our socials! We are so very excited to see your progress.
