The Jab: The Most Important Punch in Boxing

 

If you've ever been in a boxing gym and heard a trainer yell "Jab!" and you've asked "Which hand?", you know you need to listen up. The jab is thrown with your front hand, which for most people is their non-dominant hand. It's the most important punch in boxing, and for good reason. It's not about power, but control.

The Unsung Hero: What the Jab Does

The jab is the boxer's most versatile tool. It's your long-range weapon. It controls the distance, allowing you to keep your opponent at bay. It's your measuring stick, allowing you to know when you're in range to land a more powerful punch. It pushes someone back, disrupting their rhythm and forcing them to reset. It also keeps someone away, preventing them from getting too close and landing their own shots. The jab is your first line of offense and your first line of defense. It's the setup punch that makes all other punches possible. If you can win a fight with your jab, why not?

Perfecting the Jab

The jab, thrown with your non-dominant hand, requires dedication to build up the endurance in your front shoulder. Your goal is to be able to punch nonstop with that arm. Never tense your punches; instead, snap that jab from your shoulder with a super relaxed motion. You can also generate a little extra power by rotating your hips into your back leg. Extend your arm to about 90% extension and "dig through" your target, as if you're punching through to the other side. Make sure to not fully extend and snap from your elbow, as that can lead to hyperextension.

To build up that endurance, try practicing your jab for 3 minutes at a time. To isolate your shoulder, practice your jab sitting down, then stand up and add the power from your hips. Keep drilling that jab until it becomes automatic. Don't stop jabbing.