So we know there's a billion and a half ways to throw a jab. What ways work best for you? Post a video of someone displaying that particular type of jab if you can. For me, I've lately been really lazy with my jab, just flicking it out there and dropping it back low. But then I saw this video right here: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwOJaqVbg60[/ame] Barney Ross kept his arm cocked with his left shoulder rolled up high...kinda like we were all taught to do it lol. Looks like he had a lot of snap on it and could throw it multiple times hard and to good effect...even though he had a tendency to pump it out 3 or more times, it seemed to work because it was a hard, fast jab. It also seemed to work well when he would bob down to the right and back up...could throw it to the head and body and throw it to both multiple times. Anyhow, I was impressed. So today when we were doing sparring drills, I worked on doing it like that. I LOVE it. When you keep that hand up at about shoulder height, extended a bit, it really discourages the other guy from countering because he knows that you've only got to move your hand a few inches to bust his nose apart. And if you throw multiple ones, you can do it quickly and each jab has the same power on it. I was jab sparring with a guy who weighs 240 (shorter than me, kinda fat), and what I was doing was leaning to my right and faking or throwing to the body, then pivoting out or popping up and throwing it to the head. I'd triple or quadruple it while stutter-stepping left, then when he tried to counter I'd slip down right again and throw it downstairs or pivot out. Managed to catch him hard once too...threw a series of 4 jabs to the face stepping left which he blocked, then I and took a half step back, and when he stepped in I threw a 5th jab that caught him right on the chin and stunned him for a few moments. So anyhow, jabs are versatile and awesome, and I'm developing a newfound commitment to throwing them. What types do you like? P.S. If you watch the video, this style really lends itself to throwing hooks as well, and also hooking off the jab.
I love Tommy Hearns' jab. Since his hand was so low, you're tempted to counter, but b/c its so low you can never really see it coming. His jab snapped out like ... a Cobra. hmm. My left jab varies between quickness and power since I'm a natural lefty. For speed, I keep my left hand light and unclenched until impact. For power I throw it like a straight and step forward into it.
i try to keep my hands high and just pump it out as much as possible. Try not to waste energy but also its something for your opponent to always think about. And it can be used in almost any situation. I love the low left hand jabs like hearns ect but i dont try it myself lol i tend to get smacked in the face alot. Bit like Carl froch
Pretty much along the same lines. I always laugh inwardly when sparring with other newbies or even more experienced partners. My jabs don't cause any serious harm (yet). But, they flinch so wonderfully every time I stab one at them! In short, jabs mess with their mind. Sure win. If they step back, I give chase and distract/blind with another jab, then follow up. If they come after me, I know they're not really ready. And, I jab as they step in. I'm trying to do this more often. Good stuff.
Looks good, but with your hand out there wont you be open for a right hand? I usually spar much taller guys so that long right hand over my jab would be a problem. I tend to just tuck my chin in these days or have my left hand hanging down so I can get a better view.
Yeah, you sorta are...but not really. That's where the constant bobbing to the right comes in handy. You lean away from the right hand and step in and smother it. It might make contact, but it'll be upside the head instead of on the jaw, and you'll be moving away from it. Also, the jab hand is out there really close to them, so if they're telegraphing that right hand you can just pop them with the jab every time. And it isn't up at face level, so your vision is fine. You can even parry the right with your jab hand. Or just hook around it. I'm almost always the taller guy though, so it's probably easier for me than it would be for a short guy. But I definitely wouldn't want to have my left hand hanging low if I was the shorter guy.
I'm always the shorter one - a great deal shorter when I spar with guys, the mighty giants they are. If I jab quickly and roll my shoulder, I find their rights usually land off the mark on my left arm. I might be shorter, but I'm also a smaller target. Moreover, with their right arm lifted to the left of my body, their front is left wide open, provided I'm within reach. Alternatively, I catch their right with my jab, too.
There's always debate about the jab, but it still comes down to preference. convention-wise, every punch you throw should be safe on return, but upward flicker type jabs are faster, snappier and difficult to perceive. The path also obstructs people who like to duck forward a lot, so it prevents lower intrusion fighters. Barney Ross is pretty slick though.
