Jabs

Repitition like that is one of the best ways to get the hang of a certain punch (as I'm sure you know with all the katas in karate). And, like you say, with?the focus on form. That seems to be the hardest part (for me at least) is to not get infatuated with speed/power and just throw the punches by the book. And everything, down to the 45 degree twist, sounds like you've got the form down (are you doing the same twist for your straight?).

I've tried that, too. The walking, or punching, into the opposite stance, I mean. It also works with straight left/right hands and lead hooks (from orthadox: throw the right hook, and bring your leg with it, it'll turn into a lead hook from a southpaw stance). Also, if its getting boring, try stepping side to side and/or circling while you practice the jab. Its a great beginning to improving footwork. (the arm on fire/tai chi thing is?totally to be expected)

I think switching is great for both reasons. A sharper jab and the unpredictability of a switch hitter. The only problem with switching back and forth is with foot work. Its easy to get mixed up and lead with the wrong foot, which leaves you more vulnerable than you might think. All the more reason to work on foot-work when training, if this is an approach you want to take. (that is personally what i do as well.)

I'm pissed! I missed Calzaghe/Biko! But I'm downloading it right now. I'll probably check it out tomorrow.

Odly I find the jad the hardest punch to master. I try to  make good form, anyway speed and power are beyond my means at this point lol. But I do remeber that my coaches remind us often to snap the punch, by which i understand that when I hit the mitt or bag i should hear a clear snapping sound indicating that I am not pushing into the bag as I punch.

But my jab I find that it just sticks there. Whenever I send it out and  I always feel a little tiny ackwardness. I don

Am I the only one

iboxtoloose

Hi Ibox,

I think a strong forearm and wrist are essential for a good snappy punch. You can increase the speed of your strike by keeping the arm and shoulder relaxed until the point of impact - then tense your arm muscles as you sharply twist your wrist. Immediately relax your arm to smoothly withdraw the fist.

It might help to think of the muscles as the breaks in a car, the harder you hit them the sharper the passenger(energy) will be jerked. Maybe a poor analogy...

When I try too hard to throw a quick/powerful punch it doesn't feel right. In my humble opinion, relaxtion and timing your muslce contractions are key to throwing a wicked punch!

Practice your jab slowly until it's second nature. Try focusing your power at different ranges. When I shadow box at speed I don't completely straighten my arm. I leave it very slightly bent to protect the elbow. When you hit a solid bag you can completely straighten the arm.

Use your lead hip to maximise your bodies' energy. Try to imagine your waist,torso, & arm as a parts of a wave, or like a wet towel flicking out at something. Once again the analogies a piss poor, but try to connect them in a flowing action.

For fun try blowing out a candle with your jab! Aim an inch away to start with, but don't wear long sleeves or use your breath to cheat! At first it will just flicker, but you will get the hang of it eventually. It's not about power though!

>For fun try blowing out a candle with your jab! Aim an inch away to start with, but don't wear long sleeves or use your breath to cheat! At first it will just flicker, but you will get the hang of it eventually. It's not about power though! < I love that idea ! It's such a cool thing to try. Once mastered I am sure that it will be the most effective way to put an end to a candlelight dinner if the guy is being an ass lol You are right though trying too hard does make it worse. I find the difficulty for me is the sideways stance. I seem to want to turn into a face to face position (more natural, though exposed ) standing feet apart and sideways make me feel like the jab is coming out at 45 degrees between my hip (sideways) and shoulder(forward). Ok maybe this is not the clearlest image lol Thanks a lot for the detailed breakdown of the punch I totally undertsand the car stopping suddenly. More force in the short distance than if the stop was long and dragged out. Which is what my jab is like exactly. The towel image is good. I will try to imagine that when I train later today. A flick wave that starts a the foot and ends at the punch ; You should be a coach too ! I am convinced that I am just inches from the correct position and that I will get it right soon. I do think that maybe the fact that women's bodies are wider at the hips (and worse in may case) that it actually interferes with the swing movement or wave that I am trying to create. More reason the loose the weight ;-) Thanks again !

Punching should be loose and snappy. You should be completely comfortable when throwing your punches and they should come as much from your shoulders/hips as from the extension of your arm. If you can imagine a pole that runs from the top of your head, straight down through your body to the floor, as you throw the punch your shoulders and hips should swivel around the imaginery pole. The snap comes by pulling your arm back after connecting to cover your chin. Power and speed will come the looser your punching becomes - and I mean by letting the punches flow, not sticking your elbows out and letting you guard down! Also, something you might like to try is hold a squash ball in your hand, just loosely whilst extending your arm, squeeze it at the end of the punch and release as you draw your hand back.
When throwing a jab, it should go straight out from its starting position, twist your shoulder/hip as it extends and cover your chin with your leading shoulder as you connect. Your other hand should be covering your chin on the opposite side. Your opponent shouldn't be able to tell when you're about to throw your jab which is why it should be fast, come directly straight out from its starting position and there should be no tell tale tense, dip or flinch just before you unleash the beast ; )
Hope that helps someone : )

My name is Jessica...I am 16 yrs old and I have always had an intrest in boxing...I've always wanted to try it...but I've never had the money to do it...I found your site to be very helpful...thank you