How To Jab in Boxing

If you have any desire to learn the sport of boxing, also known as the "sweet science," the jab is a fast, long range punch that will decide your fate in the ring. It may also be the punch you throw most often because although it's one of the weaker punches, it can help you win by point decisions rather than by knockout. Over 90% of the punches that boxing great Muhammad Ali threw were jabs. The purpose of a jab is to keep your opponent away from you, give him a little sting, wear him down gradually, and set him up for stronger punches.

Step 1  

Lean forward with your elbows in and your right hand a little higher than your left. If you are taller than your opponent and it is unlikely that he will pull off a straight right to your face, you can keep it low like Ali for greater power and visibility. Otherwise, keep it at your chin ready to parry or block.

Step 2  

Shift your weight forward with the jab. Simultaneously push off your back (right) foot (but don't let it come off the ground) and twitch your entire left side forward while slightly lifting your left foot. As your hand comes forward, your body's weight should come forward at the same time. Rotate your hand as it comes forward.  

• Keep your chin tucked in behind your shoulder. 
• Throw the jab straight out as if you're punching into a pipe. 

Step 3  

As soon as your fist reaches full extension, quickly pull it back to its original position. You can either bring your back foot forward, encroaching on your opponent's space, or step back, putting the weight again on your back foot. But don't step back as you throw the jab, or it won't have any power.

Step 4  

Expect some sort of counter-attack. If you are tall, your objective is to get in close enough to deliver a straight right. If you are smaller and more compact, you may need a few jabs to get in close enough for a hook or uppercut. The jab will help you accomplish both of these.

Tips

• Practice on the heavy bag to gain power. You should hear a loud pop that resonates in the room. If it is not loud enough, snap your hand out more or use more of a twitch. Your body weight is what gives your punches power.
• Practice for speed. The jab should sting the opponent and get him a little dazed. It is not a knockout punch.
• Look for the perfect opportunity to place your jab. Don't waste energy punching at the air.
• Perform this punch when your opponent is exactly the length of your arm away. If he is farther, you will fall short and waste energy. If he is closer and he dodges or parries, you will open yourself up to a straight right or a left hook (ouch!).
• Regardless of where you keep your left hand, never bring down your right, even when you're punching. A good boxer will knock you out with a left hook.
• Use this punch to feel out your opponent's style. If he is a counter-puncher, he has certain ways of dealing with a jab that you need to study before you can go for the knockout. Mistakes are very costly in boxing.
• If you land a good clean jab, follow it up with a straight right or a left hook for the knockout. Generally, taller, longer boxers opt for the former and shorter, more compact boxers opt for the latter.
• Interchange the words "left" and "right" for a southpaw (left-handed boxer).
• Don't throw a lazy jab. Lazy jabs are characterized by a lack of speed, snap, and intent. A good boxer will punch over the top of a lazy jab and knock you out.

Warnings

• When sparring always wear gloves and protective gear.
• If you are even an amateur boxer, never punch someone without gloves on unless your personal safety is in danger. You can cause brain damage or even death. This can lead to criminal charges and/or lawsuits.