Left Jab
This the most important punch in amateur
boxing. The purpose of the left jab is to keep your opponent on the defensive and to accumulate points. If you are keeping
a jab in your opponent’s 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 the left elbow down and turning the forearm so that he 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.
The keys to the left jab are:
- Throw it from the head.
- Keep your elbow down.
- Snap the arm forward at the elbow joint.
- Push the left shoulder forward by pushing from the floor with the right foot.
- Return the jab back to the head as quickly as you throw it out.
- Do not move your right elbow when throwing the left.
How to jab is an important as knowing when
to jab. Unless you are using the jab for probing purposes, it should not be used unless your opponent is within punching range.
Do not throw it just to be doing something. Doing so will afford your opponent the opportunity to gauge your speed and “time”
your punches. Work on the jab until your left arm almost falls off. Take a whole week in the gym and throw only this punch.
If you can develop a solid left jab, you will be a good amateur.
Straight Right
For the beginner, this will be your power
punch because it is delivered with the weight of the body.
- The right is normally thrown after the left jab.
- Throw the right from the face and bring the right elbow up to about shoulder level.
- The left knee should be bent for balance.
- Your power will be derived by pushing and pivoting the right foot, whipping your right shoulder forward and pivoting
the hips.
- Return the right immediately to the head.
