The jab is the first punch that every boxer learns. Jabbing helps you to switch between offensive and defensive modes, gauge your distance from the opponent and control the tempo of the fight. There are seven types of jabs. Learn about each and get an idea about the ones that fit in best with your style of boxing.
This one is easy to practise. Punch with your leading arm, either from a standstill position or when stepping forward with your leading foot. Retract your arm from the fully-extended position as quickly as possible so that you have your guard in place. The basic jab serves to set up power punches and distract the opponent.
This jab, a light tap, can be thrown in quick succession. The objective is to force your opponent to put his guard up and go on the defensive. The tapper gives you the time to move out of the range of your opponent's punches or launch a heavy punch of your own and combines well with a cross.
This jab, thrown when you're on the back foot, can stop the other boxer from charging at you. It's a defensive punch and, because it is thrown with you either leaning or moving back, it does not carry much power. However, when delivered with timing, it carries a sting and can give you valuable seconds to move away from an attack.
As the name implies, this jab is delivered with power. You generate power by taking a step forward and pivoting on the front foot while throwing the jab. Avoid lunging at your opponent. By rotating your body, you present a moving target to your opponent's counterpunch. Remember that when executing this jab, the pivot can leave you temporarily off balance and with little chance of throwing a follow-up punch.
The double jab consists of two quick jabs thrown at your opponent when he's least expecting it. The usefulness of this punch lies in your ability to sneak in the second jab when the other boxer is expecting you to follow the first one with a cross. You will need to practise throwing the second jab fast enough, with both precision and power.
The body jab is an effective jab to set up your opponent for a head shot by forcing him to drop his guard to protect his body, which leaves the head exposed and vulnerable to attack. The body jab is delivered with the body bent at the knees in order attack the midsection and carries little power because of the dangers of committing too much while leaning forward.
The counter jab is well-suited for boxers who prefer to counter-punch. As a counter to your opponent's jab that you block with your trailing hand, the counter jab is a surprise offensive weapon that can gain you a point in a match without expending much power.
