Page 32 - Fighting Fit: Boxing, Workouts, Techniques, and Sparring

Chapter 3

you’re fighting for fitness or glory.

In the boxer’s stance your fists are held in a relaxed,
palms-in, ready position.The jab is a punch thrown
with the leading hand straight from the chin in a direct
line toward your target. As the hand leaves its guard
position next to your chin, the fist rotates a quarter to a
half notch.As the punch is delivered, the fist gradually
clenches and is completely clenched just before
impact. It is then immediately relaxed and withdrawn
into the guard position.

The jab is the busiest weapon in boxing because it can
be thrown quickly without compromising a boxer’s
defensive posture. It’s utilized to score, to keep oppo-
nents at bay, to set up combinations and power
punches and to wear down defenses.

Although the jab is not considered a power punch, an
effective use of the jab over the course of a bout will
cause a considerable deal of damage.A boxer can also
learn to stiffen his jab by turning his hips with the
punch and stepping into its delivery.

I’m told that the jab is the only punch to use in a street
fight because it can be thrown with a great deal of
effectiveness without risking exposure, loss of balance
or mobility. The wallop of a crisply thrown jab is more
than enough to break a nose and hopefully end the dis-
pute.

Watch any competitive bout and the jab count far
exceeds that of any other punch. It’s the bread and
butter of offensive boxing.

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