boxing techniques

[dave the rave03]

the jab


The first punch a boxer will learn is the Jab. The jab is your “Bread and butter” punch and should be practiced over and over again. The Jab can be used to keep your opponent at a distance and to score points at long range or medium range, not only scoring points and discouraging your opponents from moving in but it also sets him up for a powerful right cross.

Most Trainers will tell their fighters to “Fight from behind the jab”.

Start in a boxer’s stance, both fists relaxed and palms facing each other, your right hand closest to your chin and your left hand approx 4 inches in front, (opposite for southpaws). The jab is thrown with the leading hand in a straight line towards your target and it comes back in a straight line to your chin. As the jab leaves the guard, the fist gradually clenches, rotates a quarter notch (palm facing downwards) and is fully clenched just before impact. DO NOT make the common mistake of dropping your right hand when you throw the jab because you will leave an opening for a left hook counter.

The jab is the busiest punch in boxing, although not considered to be a power punch, it can cause a lot of damage over the course of a bout. A boxer can learn to “Stiffen” his jab by turning his hips with the punch and stepping in as it is delivered.

[dave the rave03]

the right cross


The right cross will soon become your favourite punch because this punch is thrown from your preferred hand which is usually the strongest.

From the guard position, the right cross is thrown in a straight line to the target and comes back in a straight line to the chin. Unlike the jab which is more of an arm punch, the right cross is powered by a twisting motion of the torso and pivoting of the right foot. As the punch accelerates, twist your hips and pivot on your right foot so your right heel swings outwards.

The right cross is a power punch but because of the weight transfer it can also leave you exposed without a boxer’s stance for a split second. This is why it is important to return back to guard as quick as possible.

You should never lead with your right cross - instead, probe your opponents defences with your jabs, create an opening then throw your right cross with power.

Practice the right cross on the heavy bag, using a light left jab to measure the distance, after the heavy bag, move onto a more mobile target like the focus pads, concentrate on maintaining your balance as the punch makes contact.