Expert: Jack Rose - 2/21/2011

Question
Hello Jackson, I ran across this website and I thought I’d try and ask a question. I stated boxing about 3 years ago, and I stated just before hitting 50 years old, but I love it. Really keeps me in shape. The main coach instructed us on the proper way to jab. However, another coach at another gym teaches it differently. This second coach teaches that one pivots on the front foot when jabbing to getting more power. The main coach thinks he’s crazy and absolutely prohibits the pivot. Is there any validity to pivoting on a jab, or is this ludicrous?

Answer
John,

First let me tell you a little bit about coaches.
Every coach teaches each punch a little different. Some are slightly different and some vary quite a bit.
Any coach who is a former boxer will teach you to punch the same way he punched. Everybody thinks the way they learned to throw is the right way. I have never met two coaches that teach the same left hook (for example).
Ok, so on to the business at hand.
There are two jabs. A normal jab (the one you throw the most) and a power jab. Your first coach is teaching you the normal jab and the second is showing you the power jab. The problem is, neither of them informed you there are two jabs and both of them (in my opinion) should be teaching you both jabs and why/when you throw them.

The normal jab is fast and you only need just a little sting on it. It's very loose and your popping it often singles, doubles, triples keeping it in the guy's face. Every now and then, if your fighting a guy who is willing to trade with you or doesn't move much, you may see an opportunity to throw a power jab. A power jab is normally thrown as a reverse 1-2 or in the middle of a 2-1-2. It is also thrown by faking or (shaking) the right hand and then bringing the power jab. The rotation you get from throwing the right hand (or shaking it) first, gives you the additional pivot you need to get the power on the jab.
You can throw it by itself as a lead punch, but you have to be fighting a guy who does not move his head well and who has already been eating your jabs on a regular basis.
But, your first coach's jab is the one you will throw 90% of the time. You just need to have the other one in your bag.

hope that helps...

good luck