The jab is the first punch we teach in boxing. It’s the most used punch and most coaches will tell you that it’s the most important punch. There are 3 faults that I see with pretty much all beginner boxers, and in this video I’m going to show you how to identify and fix those faults.
Flaring elbow, dropping guard and and under-acceleration. Lots of beginner boxers will have some or even all of these faults with their jab. Even with more experienced boxers these faults can sometimes creep back into their technique, so regardless of experience it pays to be alert to the risk
Spot the Fault
Use a full length mirror. Do some shadow boxing in front of the mirror, and watch for that sneaky flaring elbow, or the droopy guard hand or the pedestrian speed of the punch.
If you spot these faults it’s on you to fix them, or your opponent will fix them for you.
The Flaring Elbow
Very common fault this one.
As the punch goes the elbow flaps up.
This renegade elbow makes the punch easy to spot and you lose the integrity of the arm, meaning that the punch will land with much less power that it otherwise could.
Line up against a wall with your lead heel touching the wall.
Throw your jabs.
You’ll note that it’s not possible for your elbow to flare because the wall gets a vote.
Repeast, repeat, repeat.
Dropped Guard Hand
When one hand goes, the other stays.
If when you throw your jab your guard hand droops, you are asking for a left hook.
Left hooks are responsible for more unconscious people that a chloroform-soaked handkerchief.
Speaking of handkerchiefs, place one between your guard hand and your cheek.
If the handkerchief drops when you jab, you have a problem.
Where’s the Acceleration?
Speed and acceleration are your friend.
The faster your punch the more chance there is of landing and the more it will sting.
This is about bringing some whip-crack to your punching.
Hang a piece of paper at head height.
Throw your jabs, aim to accelerate the final 6 inches.
Try and rip the paper, get the right kind of snap, your jab will be a whole lot better for it.
What Next?
If there are faults that you want help with, let me know in the comments section.
You never know, I might have a drill for that 😉
Cheers
Fran
by 
Sir I just watched the video last evening. I immediately went to the mirror and set up a piece of paper. Very good lecture. I did ten minutes and the lecture was such a good reminder and education aid. I must confess I felt younger and faster. I will keep this one when I go to shadow boxing. Thank you. Yours in Martial Arts,,, Owen