Help Returning the Jab Quickly

[Andre]

You really, REALLY need to have your biceps etc turned OFF during the punch, and the Triceps etc turned OFF during return -- sometimes that is actually easier to do by various other methods like "flicking" it out there.

Yeah there is a lot to it Herb.

Even a difference to be felt with a more 45% toward vertical fist and a horizontal fist or a mix of both with a twist, in regards to those muscles switching, also difference can be felt between a rising shot compared to a thrusting controlling shot, even the intention behind the thought behind the shot has a little bit to do with it all too.

Maybe to practice for a while having no intention at all and just think 'whip like' and from a touch low and fully relaxed to start with, could get the feel for speed better. Copy Roy Jones rising snap, think like your arms a relaxed but manic snake that strikes and gets back to its original position instantly.some dudes have the noise in their heads seems to even help like the crack of a whip. Like Mr Lees watah! The whole move forward and back and is done within the explosive expansion of air. It all helps.
Those blokes snappy jabs looked like lighting as well, because they could time the opponent and bodily move in with both feet adding to the whole momentum and power. Mosley too would slide in with his jab sometimes.

[chrstrm]

what i like to do is jab the speed bag. punch it in the normal-way, not the ice-pick-side-of-your-hand-way. if your hand doesn't come back fast enough, the bag will hit your hand. concentrate on having your had come straight back, as dropping it is cheating.

[greynotsoold]

I have been hoping somebody would bring this back...
Concentrating on bringing the jab back real fast will, ultimately cause you more trouble than it resolves. Things like jabbing on an upward plane and returning the jab on the same line it goes out on will help, as will the positioning of your body; that is, turn your left shoulder and hip towards your opponent. You'll eat fewer left hands than if you are square to your opponent.
But the bottom line is that the right cross is a natural counter to the left jab. If your opponent is looking to hit you with it, he will. And if all you are doing to prevent it is try to retract your jab more rapidly, then he'll hit you easily each time. Because what you are really playing here is a mind game, a game of positioning.
So if you are getting timed with right hands over your jab, invite that counter and counter with your right hand. Hook off the jab. If he is using what you are doing to his advantage, then you are equally free to take what he is doing and use it to yours.

[RichCarne]

Are you throwing your jab from the right range? If you are throwing it from too far away, your opponent should find it easier to time your jab and counter.

You could also work on your feinting. If you can get your opponent reacting to your feints you could throw his timing / balance off. Obviously, this will make it more difficult for him to counter you.

Rich.