EXERCISES

This is the most important punch in boxing. The
purpose of the left jab is to keep your opponent on the defense and to accumulate points. If you are keeping a jab in
your opponents face, he will have to concern himself with defense which will afford him less time to work on his offense
(hitting you in the nose). You can use the jab to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and timing, in addition to using it to
control the bout.
The left jab is thrown by extending the left hand and arm fully, keeping to left elbow down and turning the forearm so
that the knuckles land in a horizontal position. Speed is derived by keeping the elbow down and snapping the arm
forward at the elbow joint. Power is possible by slightly pushing the body, particularly your left shoulder, forward with
your right foot and leg when the jab is thrown.
In order to be a competent boxer, you must master the basic fundamentals. Every advanced move or technique
is based on having solid fundamentals. Take your time and learn them well. This is the most important step in
amateur boxing.
1. FOOTWORK: Place your left foot and left shoulder out front. Your feet should be the length of a normal
step apart. Your left knee should be bent for balance, and your feet should be pointing toward your opponent.
Your feet must also remain apart for purpose of balance. If you move forward, move the left leg first and pick
up the distance with the right foot. If you move backward, move the right foot back and then move the left foot
after. Moving left or right is accomplished by stepping sideways with the foot of the direction you wish to move.
For instance, if you want to move left, move the left foot to the left and then bring over the right foot. Do the
opposite to move right. Do not get into the bad habit of bringing your feet together after you throw punches.
It is a waste of energy. Plus, whenever your feet are together, you’re susceptible to being either hit or pushed
off balance. Also, when you move forward, don’t drag your right foot. Use it. Make it work so that your weight
is evenly distributed.
It is extremely important that your left shoulder is “out front” or pointing towards your opponent. This will allow
for full rotation of the shoulders and hips when throwing the right hand. It also puts you in the proper defensive
position to guard against the right hand.
Make sure the left shoulder is always higher than the right. If not, you will be susceptible to right hands.