Jab seems to be the most tiring punch ! also getting bored on the bags...

[wytster]

Thanks Fran and HerbM for your replies,

makes sense what your saying, when I first started training yrs ago a trainer told me that my jab wasn't strong enough and to put my weight behind it so I think unfortunately I have adopted a bad habit from then on where I step forward and try and put my weight behind the jab every time I throw it.

I agree that a relaxed punch is faster and more efficient than tensing up, I think I have reasonable technique with this on the straight right I will try to start fixing my jab atn the gym tonight.

Would you recommend using some small weights to strengthen muscles for more of an 'arm punch' jab ?

Theming the rounds sounds like a cool idea, usually I just see the red mist and gas myself out ! I will try this technique too.

Thanks again.

[HerbM]

Thanks Fran and HerbM for your replies,

...put my weight behind it so I think unfortunately I have adopted a bad habit from then on where I step forward and try and put my weight behind the jab every time I throw it.
...
Would you recommend using some small weights to strengthen muscles for more of an 'arm punch' jab ?
...

There is nothing AUTOMATICALLY wrong with putting your weight behind a jab -- how do you do this (besides stepping) -- but you need to to do it properly and probably should not have this as you "only jab". There are range finding jabs that just flick out and there are power jabs (Dempsey calls this the "left jolt" to distinguish it from an arm jab.)

But in general, you are going to be throwing far more jabs than anything else, probably 3-1 jabs to straight rights, etc

As to weights, I am not the best person to ask (haven't tried it) but I have seen recommendation to do this AND recommendations to avoid it like the plague (easy to screw up your elbow).

IF you do it, I would recommend lying on your back (on the weight bench is best but floor should work). By lifting/punching the weight UPWARDS you will get more resistance from gravity and this will also help you STOP the weight without having to either put tension into your opposing muscle OR by hyperextending your elbow.

That "tension in the opposing muscle" is precisely (part of) what we wish to avoid for a fast, snappy, hard jab.

If you are punching with weight SOMETHING has to STOP all of that MOMENTUM when you punch. It's either your muscles OR you elbow joint that must do that.

When we punch hard against a bag, we can let the BAG STOP the PUNCH.

Personally on the bag, I don't ever "stop my punch" -- the BAG does. I yank it back but only after the bag absorbs all of the forward momentum.

Now, some of this comes from Russian Systema hitting, and I can occasionally get accused of pushing the bag, but I assure you this is a much harder punch. When sparring with me, it is common for my partner to say, "Your punches are JUST HEAVY".

Systema is known for producing deep, hard, destructive punches, even from a short distance and without (needing) weight transfer. You can add weight transfer to a Systema punch, but usually that is not a necessity.

Systema (and Boxing) both emphasize relaxing as much a possible at all times, especially when hitting. The only tension you need in a punch is the muscle(s) which powers the punch AND MAYBE right at the moment of impact you tighten the wrist and hand enough to protect the joints.

The good thing about relaxed hitting is that it is now only faster (and deeper) it is also far less tiring.


--
HerbM

[Aussie_Egg]

While jabbing i step on the front foot but only a little 5-10cm then the left shoulder turns in as the lead arm is pushed out (eyes look straight down the arm), The lead arm should only twist at the very end making it harder, then the arm is pulled back at the same time the shouder is also pulled back.

As this is all happening the legs are moving also.
The front leg after the small step is straightening, pivoting and pushing back (Your ass should move away from where you are punching) and the rear leg pushes forward.
This gives you more reach and pushes you away from any body counter.

This is all from a squated wide stance with the rear leg bent. up on your rear toe with the foot facing forward.
You should be relaxed as stated, with only the hand tensing before impact.
A fast jab will bring a shock factor to the opponent as they wont see it coming as easily as a hard jab with a tensed arm that appears to come from 2 streets away.

I am quiet tall with a long reach over 2m. And this is how i get the most out of my reach. The jab is very important to my game and im always working on it. I probably throw 4-5 or more jabs:1 of other punches. And i work it like that on the bag also.

Wytster: As your shadow boxing you could try get a squash ball and put a small cut in in 2-3mm then put it in your hand(I use middle and ring finger to hold it). As you punch just hold the ball and as your about to hit your imaginary target (full extension) squeeze the ball/clench your fist it should make a hiss. Then relax the hand again and pull it back. This should help you to relax the muscles in the arm whilst punching.

[jolz]

I think the best way to throw a jab is to keep your hands up, always..the fire those jabs and stick your hand to your chin after you throw it..

[HerbM]

...
As this is all happening the legs are moving also.
The front leg after the small step is straightening, pivoting and pushing back (Your ass should move away from where you are punching) and the rear leg pushes forward.
This gives you more reach and pushes you away from any body counter.

I don't understand how you get "more reach" if your "ass should move away" -- would please elaborate on this?

I am quiet tall with a long reach over 2m. And this is how i get the most out of my reach. The jab is very important to my game and im always working on it. I probably throw 4-5 or more jabs:1 of other punches. And i work it like that on the bag also.

Ok, I am not tall (5'10") and have very long arms for my size, but even I am jealous of 2 METERS (I'm close but not THAT close.)

Wytster: As your shadow boxing you could try get a squash ball...squeeze the ball/clench your fist it should make a hiss. Then relax the hand again and pull it back. This should help you to relax the muscles in the arm whilst punching.

What a cool idea!

[Aussie_Egg]

...
As this is all happening the legs are moving also.
The front leg after the small step is straightening, pivoting and pushing back (Your ass should move away from where you are punching) and the rear leg pushes forward.
This gives you more reach and pushes you away from any body counter.

I don't understand how you get "more reach" if your "ass should move away" -- would please elaborate on this?

It is hard to explain ill get the missus to take a few pics when she is home from work it will be alot easier. Or ill probably confuse you more, it is hard to get your head around but it works. And i probably shouldn't say "ass moves away" But more upwards and not forward. Pics to come

I am quiet tall with a long reach over 2m. And this is how i get the most out of my reach. The jab is very important to my game and im always working on it. I probably throw 4-5 or more jabs:1 of other punches. And i work it like that on the bag also.

Ok, I am not tall (5'10") and have very long arms for my size, but even I am jealous of 2 METERS (I'm close but not THAT close.)

Its handy but have a way to go to use it very effectively.

Wytster: As your shadow boxing you could try get a squash ball...squeeze the ball/clench your fist it should make a hiss. Then relax the hand again and pull it back. This should help you to relax the muscles in the arm whilst punching.

What a cool idea!

It helped me so thought it could help Wyster. Pretty crude but i found effective and its cheap.

[wytster]

cheers for the replies guys,

I've got my jab a bit smoother now not putting my weight into it every time, I think I just need to keep training to strengthen my shoulder, going to try sparring class in the next couple of wks.

[cambay411]

I agree with everyone on here. Get that technique right for sure is the first thing. Also as much as you dislike the heavy bag, start goin about 5 plus rounds of nothing but jab on the heavy to condition that arm and shoulder.