When All Else Fails ... Jab
By Doug Ward
During the 2001 championship fight between Floyd Mayweather and Diego Corrales, George Foreman, as part of HBOs broadcast team, said “If you want to be a good fighter, forget about the left jab, but if you want to be a great fighter, that’s the best punch in boxing.” Although you could argue whether it is THE BEST punch in boxing, you can’t disagree with Big George’s sentiment about its level of importance in the ring.
The jab absolutely separates the good from the great. When used and used often, the jab can single-handedly control and, ultimately determine the outcome of a fight. Executed effectively, it can dictate the distance a fight is fought at, it can set the pace of a bout, it can discourage an aggressive fighter, weaken a brawler, it can nullify a puncher by creating space, the jab can help establish control and put any fighter in the power position. There are a few qualities you can take advantage of in order to make your jab one of the best in the game:
1) Throw it long. Extend it out, roll your shoulder and turn your knuckles over to take full advantage of every inch of your reach. Your power is on the end of your punch, when all of the joints are locked out. Don’t sell yourself, and the importance of your jab, short by being safe with it. Get it out there and make a statement with it.
2) Mix it up, the jab that is. Throw it at a slightly different angle, fake with it, use it to the head and down to the body and vary the speed you throw it at. The jab is most effective when you use it often, but also when you’re not predictable with it.
3) If your jab is getting countered or easily blocked, don’t stop using it. Instead, double up on it. It’s harder to counter a double or triple jab (if they’re thrown correctly). Either that, or fake it before you throw a real one. Whatever you do, don’t abandon it, just use it more and mix-up your approach.
4) If all else fails…jab. If you don’t know what else to throw or what counter to make – jab. It scores points, it is a relatively safe punch to throw, in terms of exposing yourself too much and, in the process, it will likely create other openings.
5) Above all, throw it like you mean it! Too many fighters paw with it, like a cat, toying with a ball of yarn. Be a bulldog instead. Throw it to land and make a dent in something. A good, hard, power jab sends a strong message. If you’re tentative with it and non-committal, that sends a message too. If you’re in the ring to fight, then let it be known from the very first jab you throw.
The key is to strengthen and use the jab as a power punch. Don’t just treat it like a set-up shot or smokescreen, but use it as a valuable weapon that can lead the charge and rally the troops. Capitalize on its versatility. The jab can do everything from providing time to feel your opponent out, to breaking him down by peppering him with a stinging chin-checker round after round.
Unless you’re throwing it incorrectly or in a predictable way it’s not possible to use the jab too often. If you throw it right, throw it hard and throw it fast, you simply cannot go wrong. Dedicating yourself to the simple philosophy of having the best jab you possibly can, may help you make that leap from good to great.
NOTES
About Doug Ward: After years of training at some of the most respected gyms in the country and pursuing a brief amateur career in the late 80′s, Doug was able to put that experience to work as Creative Director for a major boxing equipment manufacturer. During that seven year period he had the great fortune to meet some of boxing’s legendary fighters, learn from some of the ring’s most respected trainers and gain insights into all aspects of the sport…in and outside the ropes.
Bringing along over twenty-five years of experience in the fight game and industry insights he gained during that time, Doug now trains and manages a team of aspiring amateur and professional boxers. He spends his time split between the gym working one-on-one with a handful of fighters, negotiating on behalf of his stable and continuing to learn all there is from the business of boxing.
Doug is also President and Trainer for the Underground Boxing Company. Since its inception in 2002, the focus of the UBC has been to preserve the integrity of the sport and protect the financial, physical and spiritual well-being of its athletes. The UBC serves its team of amateur and professional boxers through a comprehensive management/training system…one that is geared towards developing the fighter at every phase of his or her career.
Copied and pasted from: http://www.titleboxing.com/news/when-all-else-fails-jab/
Photo Credits: All photos belong to Doug Ward/TitleBoxing.com.
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