How to throw a jab

Boxing · First weapons · 9 minute lesson Free

The jab is a straight punch thrown with your lead hand. It is the fastest punch you have because it starts closest to the target.

Good boxers throw more jabs than everything else combined. It measures distance, interrupts the opponent and opens the way for the cross.

Key points

• Punch straight from your guard, with no wind-up.
• Turn the fist over at the end so the palm faces the floor.
• Lift the lead shoulder to cover your chin.
• Keep the rear hand glued to your cheek.
• Bring the hand back along the same line, as fast as it went out.

Step by step

1. Start in stance. Feet shoulder width apart, lead foot forward, weight centred. Hands up, elbows in.
2. Extend the lead hand. Push the fist straight out from your chin toward the target. The elbow stays pointing down until the last moment.
3. Rotate and cover. As the arm straightens, turn the fist over and raise the lead shoulder. Your chin tucks behind it.
4. Return to guard. Retract along the same path straight back to your cheek. The punch is not finished until the hand is home.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Dropping the rear hand as you jab. Touch the rear glove to your cheek on every rep until it stays there by habit.
• Pulling the hand back low. Return along the same line you punched on. Think of a piston, not a swing.
• Leaning forward to reach. If the target is too far, step with the jab. Your head stays over your hips.
• Locking the elbow hard. Extend fully but stop just short of a hard lock to protect the joint.

Drill: Jab rounds

3 rounds of 60 seconds, with 30 seconds of rest. Safe to practise alone.

1. Slow jabs. Check the rear hand stays on your cheek after every punch.
2. Normal speed. Snap the jab out and back on the caller.
3. Jab, then reset your stance. Quality over volume.

Combinations that use it

• 1-1: Jab, Jab
• 1-2: Jab, Cross
• 1-1-2: Jab, Jab, Cross
• in-1-2: Step in, Jab, Cross
• kb-jab-teep: Jab, Teep
• kb-1-low: Jab, Low kick

Related techniques

• Cross
• Step in
• Teep
• Low kick

Train it in the app

In Become Fighter this lesson comes with a short video, a timed drill with the coach calling the shots, and a quick quiz to check you've got it.

Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.

More from First weapons

• How to throw a cross
• How to throw the one-two combination
• How to double jab and control range

← All Boxing lessons

Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.