Thread: The Importance of the Jab for the Beginner

I think there are many differing thoughts, approaches to teaching/learning for the beginner. One thing I think is important is to learn the very basics of the jab. I'd like to hear others thoughts on it, but will share my own from the little experience I have.

When I first walked through the door, I knew nothing and didn't pretend to and was freakin scared shit-less. Knew I wanted to box though and was willing to learn. I had a trainer I knew was good, and he taught me not much more then to jab, and to do it properly. Over and over, again and again...jab, jab...how to step with it, how to snap it...where my elbow should be, etc, etc, etc. I felt like I was missing out on everything else, watching older more experienced fighters working their combos, hooking, uppercuts. But still, jab, jab...get it right, jab jab he'd say over and over.

Next thing I knew it was 8 months later and was standing in a casino in front of over 1000 people for my first fight. Nearly crapped my pants was so scared. Other guy was a bit older then me, a bit bigger then me, a little more experienced, but, BUT... I nearly jabbed him to death! lol. Didn't throw anything else for I barely knew anything else.

But it all made sense to me then as he smiled and told me I was ready to move on. That was a while ago and have added a pile of more punches and technique to what that foundation was, and so far I believe it was a great foundation. Learn how to jab properly, then learn how to box.

interesting...i agree when you are unsure, jab and when done do it again...

If the Jab and its Fundamentals are wrong , everything is.

Another more remote but positive point is that the amature judges love a good jab and will score it before they score many other things.After the basics, I actually think the jab should be an ongoing learning proceedure,so that body angles are experienced from behind it so that a full understanding of centerline theroy can develop right then at that point in the learning experience,(so its clear from the start):
Into how and when to step out from behind what you have just developed into the other areas at the ripe time of the exchange or on the timing of the opponent more than just whenever you feel like it:
like how to subtley shift their feet behind the action of the jab as its extending so that the jab blocks and strikes simultanously as your centerline moves. How a jab that is out can remain out and move over both the opponents arms in a certain situation.
That brings other realizations into play around the differences between elbow down ,angled more vertical fist jabs opposed to horizontal fist jabs and exactly when each should be used and when each doesnt work or will have you in danger of lossing a rib etc. Then onto faster flicker jabs from a low arm guard that interupts the oppositions movment as well as allowing more expanded footwork ,more body movment behind it all etc, then into combos.

Yes Andre. I soon found after working on other things and in short order the jab soon started to suffer. We will likely always been visiting and revisiting our punches as mechanics can go awry, especially when making changes.

Earlier today I rewatched an fight of mine and all I could think was..."WtF...why wasn't I jabbing there...and there...and what what that...a jab?"

Originally Posted by Andre

That brings other realizations into play around the differences between elbow down ,angled more vertical fist jabs opposed to horizontal fist jabs and exactly when each should be used and when each doesnt work or will have you in danger of lossing a rib etc. Then onto faster flicker jabs from a low arm guard that interupts the oppositions movment as well as allowing more expanded footwork ,more body movment behind it all etc, then into combos.

I find that a more horizontal fist jab can sometimes go around a guard, this is assuming the elbow opens up. There's always a time and a place that somethings work.

Originally Posted by Andre

Another more remote but positive point is that the amature judges love a good jab and will score it before they score many other things.After the basics, I actually think the jab should be an ongoing learning proceedure,so that body angles are experienced from behind it so that a full understanding of centerline theroy can develop right then at that point in the learning experience,(so its clear from the start):
Into how and when to step out from behind what you have just developed into the other areas at the ripe time of the exchange or on the timing of the opponent more than just whenever you feel like it:
like how to subtley shift their feet behind the action of the jab as its extending so that the jab blocks and strikes simultanously as your centerline moves. How a jab that is out can remain out and move over both the opponents arms in a certain situation.
That brings other realizations into play around the differences between elbow down ,angled more vertical fist jabs opposed to horizontal fist jabs and exactly when each should be used and when each doesnt work or will have you in danger of lossing a rib etc. Then onto faster flicker jabs from a low arm guard that interupts the oppositions movment as well as allowing more expanded footwork ,more body movment behind it all etc, then into combos.

QFT excellent post.

its true though..In order to really use your jab to its fulll potential, you've got evolve beyond a straight jab. Im not putting down the straight left jolt at all, if you have a good one it can get you pretty far. But thats just one trick outta the many that you can pull outta your hat.

imo, you've gotta make your opponent fear your jab. A good snapping jab that the opponent cant time, and a one that finds a way to get through the openings in your opponents guard.

A stiff counter jab to your opponents body or head when he is walking into you really discourages them from rushing in. Specially if you catch em in the solar plexus or nose.

People also put down the pawing jab, but i like it. I like to use it to get a reaction out of the opponent. As long as you're aware that somethings bound to come really fast over your jab and you're high strung ready for the countre its all gravy. Although yes there is a difference between a pawing jab and a lazy pawing jab. One is fatal. LOL! Seriously.

Originally Posted by southpawed

Originally Posted by Andre

Another more remote but positive point is that the amature judges love a good jab and will score it before they score many other things.After the basics, I actually think the jab should be an ongoing learning proceedure,so that body angles are experienced from behind it so that a full understanding of centerline theroy can develop right then at that point in the learning experience,(so its clear from the start):
Into how and when to step out from behind what you have just developed into the other areas at the ripe time of the exchange or on the timing of the opponent more than just whenever you feel like it:
like how to subtley shift their feet behind the action of the jab as its extending so that the jab blocks and strikes simultanously as your centerline moves. How a jab that is out can remain out and move over both the opponents arms in a certain situation.
That brings other realizations into play around the differences between elbow down ,angled more vertical fist jabs opposed to horizontal fist jabs and exactly when each should be used and when each doesnt work or will have you in danger of lossing a rib etc. Then onto faster flicker jabs from a low arm guard that interupts the oppositions movment as well as allowing more expanded footwork ,more body movment behind it all etc, then into combos.

QFT excellent post.

its true though..In order to really use your jab to its fulll potential, you've got evolve beyond a straight jab. Im not putting down the straight left jolt at all, if you have a good one it can get you pretty far. But thats just one trick outta the many that you can pull outta your hat.

imo, you've gotta make your opponent fear your jab. A good snapping jab that the opponent cant time, and a one that finds a way to get through the openings in your opponents guard.

A stiff counter jab to your opponents body or head when he is walking into you really discourages them from rushing in. Specially if you catch em in the solar plexus or nose.

People also put down the pawing jab, but i like it. I like to use it to get a reaction out of the opponent. As long as you're aware that somethings bound to come really fast over your jab and you're high strung ready for the countre its all gravy. Although yes there is a difference between a pawing jab and a lazy pawing jab. One is fatal. LOL! Seriously.

If I was your opponent, I'd say throw that jab like that again.



Hello right hand.

Originally Posted by Youngblood

I think there are many differing thoughts, approaches to teaching/learning for the beginner. One thing I think is important is to learn the very basics of the jab. I'd like to hear others thoughts on it, but will share my own from the little experience I have.

When I first walked through the door, I knew nothing and didn't pretend to and was freakin scared shit-less. Knew I wanted to box though and was willing to learn. I had a trainer I knew was good, and he taught me not much more then to jab, and to do it properly. Over and over, again and again...jab, jab...how to step with it, how to snap it...where my elbow should be, etc, etc, etc. I felt like I was missing out on everything else, watching older more experienced fighters working their combos, hooking, uppercuts. But still, jab, jab...get it right, jab jab he'd say over and over.

Next thing I knew it was 8 months later and was standing in a casino in front of over 1000 people for my first fight. Nearly crapped my pants was so scared. Other guy was a bit older then me, a bit bigger then me, a little more experienced, but, BUT... I nearly jabbed him to death! lol. Didn't throw anything else for I barely knew anything else.

But it all made sense to me then as he smiled and told me I was ready to move on. That was a while ago and have added a pile of more punches and technique to what that foundation was, and so far I believe it was a great foundation. Learn how to jab properly, then learn how to box.

Good to hear, Youngblood. The problem with a lot of fighters nowadays is it seems they don't use the jab enough.

Originally Posted by Chris Nagel

People also put down the pawing jab, but i like it. I like to use it to get a reaction out of the opponent. As long as you're aware that somethings bound to come really fast over your jab and you're high strung ready for the countre its all gravy. Although yes there is a difference between a pawing jab and a lazy pawing jab. One is fatal. LOL! Seriously.

If I was your opponent, I'd say throw that jab like that again.



Hello right hand. [/QUOTE]

thats what im saying. You're strengthening my argument for the paw. By pawing my jab out there, most times a smart opponent would immediately time that jab and follow it back with his right hand. So now that i've got this information, that the paw will elicit that counter right hand with a high probabilty, now im a step ahead of you. Now i have the option to feint the paw and counter the counter right i know is coming.

but i see where you guys are coming from. If for a second you get lazy with it or take your mind off of your opponents right hand, you're creamed. Lol.

Originally Posted by Clubber

Good to hear, Youngblood. The problem with a lot of fighters nowadays is it seems they don't use the jab enough.

Strange thing about that clubber. I learned it, and I think I learned it well. Then I discovered my left hook, and man was that awesome. Until I ran into a guy 3-4 inches taller then me and found out how bad it worked then...as I was now leading off with it too much for someone his height.

So then back to relearning the jab...but now how to use it in various combinations and circumstances. This is the part of boxing that I love so much. And as well can get frustrated by. It's a process and I don't think you ever can just learn one thing, then move on and not have to revisit the very basics...to make sure you are doing it right, and as Scrap says, to have everything else work.

Originally Posted by Chris Nagel

Originally Posted by Andre

That brings other realizations into play around the differences between elbow down ,angled more vertical fist jabs opposed to horizontal fist jabs and exactly when each should be used and when each doesnt work or will have you in danger of lossing a rib etc. Then onto faster flicker jabs from a low arm guard that interupts the oppositions movment as well as allowing more expanded footwork ,more body movment behind it all etc, then into combos.

I find that a more horizontal fist jab can sometimes go around a guard, this is assuming the elbow opens up. There's always a time and a place that somethings work.

With varying sized opponents or lower stance, higher stances or if one is
left arm lead and one right arm or both the same, the list goes on even into setting them up so something rare works; (usually easier to do that in the end rounds when things are slower and when they think they have your timing down).

Originally Posted by southpawed

Originally Posted by Chris Nagel

People also put down the pawing jab, but i like it. I like to use it to get a reaction out of the opponent. As long as you're aware that somethings bound to come really fast over your jab and you're high strung ready for the countre its all gravy. Although yes there is a difference between a pawing jab and a lazy pawing jab. One is fatal. LOL! Seriously.

If I was your opponent, I'd say throw that jab like that again.



Hello right hand.

thats what im saying. You're strengthening my argument for the paw. By pawing my jab out there, most times a smart opponent would immediately time that jab and follow it back with his right hand. So now that i've got this information, that the paw will elicit that counter right hand with a high probabilty, now im a step ahead of you. Now i have the option to feint the paw and counter the counter right i know is coming.

but i see where you guys are coming from. If for a second you get lazy with it or take your mind off of your opponents right hand, you're creamed. Lol.[/quote]
.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .....
Rare move but: If you got caught with your left out there at full and his right comes over the outside,you can leave it out instead of reacting normally and just turn and face the right that is comming at you, with your arm still extended it disipates it fully and it cant reach you,cause you faced the point of contact. Of course it opens up both other arms for both of you instantly, so you have to train it all in ,to beat them to the draw your right rear against his left which is coming immediatley. So you move towards and through his right arm as you do it, which gets you closing range for your right hand as its thrown but your moving bodily away from his left. Its a turn and go move with an attack that can be an uppercut rip if your up right bodily and moving or a right cross if your lower and reaching.