What is the difference between successful boxers and unsuccessful boxers?
Power, speed, both? Floyd Mayweather says it is because he was the smartest.
Whether this is true or not, many people wonder what will actually make them successful boxers. Some fighters live off the power like Gennady Golovkin, others are very fast like Ryan Garcia, and some have both power and speed like Canelo Alvarez.
It’s not a real mystery, you will hear all the great coaches, commentators, and successful fighters mention one key element we all tend to overlook the power of the jab.
Hi, this is Alex, a professional undefeated boxer, with boxing undefeated, bringing you the most important quick tips you can use today inside the squared circle.
The fastest way to get confident when boxing is learning the basics, the defense and the offense, in and outs.
Really it all starts with your feet, and you can read my articles on footwork if you want to start from the bottom up.
Today we are starting with Power jab. To get started you don't need any fancy equipment or a gym, let’s break down what you need at the bare minimum.
I always like to have a mirror around and I usually recommend using one to correct your own mistakes.
Visually if you can see your form is off you will internalize the mistake. When we can’t see ourselves it is hard to really understand the difference between what we think we look like and how we actually look.
Hand wraps and boxing gloves will be needed to protect your wrist and knuckles.
Stationary heavy bag, with an anchor at the bottom, so it doesn’t swing too much, the last thing we want is to hyperextend at our elbow. Thinking about it makes me rub my poor elbows.
All set? Ready set go!
What Is The Power Jab?
The power in the Jab is usually minimal. Different from a traditional jab or a flick jab, the power jab has extra weight and force behind it.
This is to stop an opponent from advancing forward and at the same time set up your attack as a regular jab would.
Give yourself some space, this is a long punch.
It can break your opponent’s nose, cut up their face, and even knock them down.
You don’t have to be a heavyweight to have a powerful jab, use your body weight and not just the weight in your hand.
How To Throw A Power Jab?
There is no one way to throw a punch so I will break down the two that I know.
Let’s start with a traditional boxing stance, from the orthodox view.
Next is the structure of your punch. Keep it completely straight at impact, flexing the shoulder, elbow locked out, and the fist tight with the pinky turning towards the sky.
The pinky is turned up to help you prevent hyperextending at the elbow.
- The windup
Rotate your back hip and rear shoulder forward like you are throwing a cross without actually throwing it.
Turn and strike with your jab by pushing off your back foot with force, and stepping in with your front foot.
- Fall step
Jack Dempsey is known for this technique, I like to refer to this as a battering ram.
You will start in your stance and there will be no rotation on this punch. Instead, you will step and almost fall forward with the lead foot extending your jab out.
Brace the fist and arm for impact on your imaginary power line running from the knuckles up the arm into the shoulder.
By transferring the bodyweight you gain momentum increasing your force in the punch.
Tips
The windup is great when you are a combination hitter and you can trick your opponent into thinking you are going to throw a different punch first.
The fall step is best used when you just want to power through someone’s tight guard and plan on pushing them back.
Either one you use, you get your opponent’s attention and command respect in the fight.
When To Throw It?
You can move forward initiating the offense or sit back and meet force with force.
Move forward when you have an opponent that doest move alot.
If you are going to move forward aim at your opponent’s chest, the head always moves and we would like to make sure we hit something if we are going to put alot of energy into a punch.
Hold your ground and let your opponent come to you.
Catching someone off balance coming in, holding your ground giving them nowhere to go.
Both of these techniques work very well working off your regular jab.
Common Mistakes
Dropping your hand before you punch
Starting too close to your target, give yourself space
Not fully extending
Fighters To Watch
Gennady Golovkin, modern day master
Jack Dempsey, the old schoolmaster
Conclusion
Those are some of the best boxing tips for learning the Power jab, you don’t have to fall into the trap of all the fancy moves and equipment to get you started or take you to the next level.
You need patience, consistency, and effective training. Build on good habits early so you don’t have to tear down the foundation and rebuild all over again.
If you want more in-depth knowledge on a specific question, check out our home page for more tips. Let me know what other tips I may have missed or you'd like me to cover by leaving a comment.
I cant wait to see you in the future on the next one, keep swinging champs!