Let’s talk about the jab. Jab jab jab, jab and jab jab. The jab is supposedly the closest punch to your opponent. But what if you are standing perpendicular to the aggressor, I digress. So, how do I throw the jab? This is a loaded question because there are a lot of ways to throw the jab. Or better yet there are many variations to the jab. Here is the bottom line. The goal is to efficiently throw a punch with the hand closest to your opponent. To create power, we need torque. How we effectively engage and disguise the torque to launch our fist will develop with practice. I believe there are two critical points of rotation to creating the proper tension and torque, that is our hips and shoulder blades. The hips start the movement creating dynamic torque. The hips rotate and reach its end range, and this rotation continues through the thoracic and through the shoulder blades. We rotate through the shoulders by chopping forward, much like a samurai, through the air. The arm reaches full extension and is supported by body tension to deliver the force through the target. There are a couple more nuances to creating power such as leg drive and solid defense.
Here are some jab facts:
There are different variations of the jab including: up-jab, power jab, corkscrew jab, flicker jab, swivel jab, and stiff jab. Consider checking out this video by Skillr Boxing for more depth and breakdown of these jab variations.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11_95xW9RE0&t=2s
Channel: Skillr Boxing
The jab is considered one of the fundamental punches in boxing. It is often used to control the distance, set up combinations, and disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. The jab can also be used defensively, keeping your opponent from closing the distance. Versatility such as feinting, doubling up or adjusting the speed and angle of the jab is used to further disorientate the opponent.
The term “jab” itself dates to 1825, derived from the Scottish variant of “job,” meaning “to strike or thrust.” It has since evolved to become one of the sport’s most essential techniques. The boxer Joe Gans nicknamed “The Old Master” is credited for creating the boxing jab. He fought from 1893 to 1909. He was able to use the lead-hand jab defensively to disrupt his opponent or offensively to set up his right-hand shot. Early boxers like James J. Corbett nicknamed “Gentleman Jim” also used the jab to maintain distance and create openings.
Check out this blog post by Neil Crane to read more about the Masters of the Jab.
Link: https://www.thefightcity.com/top-12-best-jab-boxing/
Over time, fighters such as Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather Jr. elevated the jab to an art form using the jab to control the pace and rhythm of the fight.