How To Jab In Boxing: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Throw A Jab » How To Jab In Boxing: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Jab in Boxing PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Derrek Hofrichter

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Mastering the Basics
    • |
  • Learning the Variations
    • |
  • Avoiding Newbie Mistakes
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Derrek Hofrichter. Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College. This article has been viewed 384,230 times.

If you have any desire to learn the sport of Boxing, the jab is a fast, long range punch that will decide your fate in the ring. It may also be the punch you throw most often because although it's one of the weaker punches, it can help you win by point decisions rather than by knockout. Over 90% of the punches that boxing great Muhammad Ali threw were jabs. The purpose of a jab is to keep your opponent away from you, give him a little sting, wear him down gradually, and set him up for stronger punches.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Mastering the Basics

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 1 Get in the boxing stance. We'll use the left jab throughout this article -- for the right jab, everything is reversed. So for now, place your left foot in front of your right, with your feet angled in slightly, but still pointing toward your opponent. Put your hands up to protect your chin, tuck your elbows down, keep your chin down, and make sure your hips are above your feet.[1]
    • It's important that you keep your body and hands relaxed. Have a slight bend at your knees and bring up your back heel just a bit. Bounce around, getting comfortable in the stance. Make sure your feet are around shoulder width apart and your front foot is pointing mostly forward and your back foot is pointing mostly out.
    • Whatever foot is forward is the hand you're jabbing with.[2] The jab is a punch that comes straight out, being closer to your opponent than the cross.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 2 Lean forward with your elbows in and your right hand a little higher than your left. Your right is protecting your chin, playing defense, while your left is up, waiting to strike. If you are taller than your opponent and it is unlikely that he will pull off a straight right to your face, you can keep it low for greater power and visibility. Otherwise, keep it at your chin ready to parry or block.
    • You're in the optimum position right now for your jab. Now while the jab comes from your core and not your arm, it is important not to launch yourself with the jab. You won't get a better punch for it. You should feel a slight, natural rotation, but that's it.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 3 Transfer your weight forward and jab. Simultaneously shift off your back (right) foot (but don't let it come off the ground) and put your weight onto your left, while throwing your left arm into a quick, powerful jab. Twitch your entire left side forward while ever so slightly lifting the heel of your left foot. As your hand comes forward, your body's weight should come forward at the same time.
    • Keep your chin tucked in behind your shoulder. In fact, your shoulder should come to meet your chin, offering it even more protection than in your normal stance.
    • Throw the jab straight out as if you're punching into a pipe. Keep your elbows in and aligned with your fist and the rest of your body. No part of you should needlessly stick out -- or you're asking for an easy hit.
    • Drive the punch with your hips and shoulders.[3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 4 Be sure to rotate your palm down. When your hands are held at your chin, your thumbs are facing you. But when you go to jab, rotate your hands so that your palms are facing down, thumbs slightly lower than perfectly horizontal.[4] Think of it like a slight corkscrew motion. It's in that twist that there's power -- kind of like the cracking of a whip.
    • Your rear hand is staying near your chin this entire time. It is there to protect you.
    EXPERT TIP Derrek Hofrichter

    Derrek Hofrichter

    Boxer Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College. Derrek Hofrichter Derrek Hofrichter Boxer

    Jab with correct form for maximum impact. Keep your elbow pointed down. Think about driving from your hips and shoulders. As you extend the punch, rotate your thumb downwards so that your top two knuckles make impact.

  5. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 5 As soon as your fist reaches full extension, quickly pull it back to its original position. "Quickly" being the keyword here. You can either bring your back foot forward, encroaching on your opponent's space, or step back, putting the weight again on your back foot. But don't step back as you throw the jab, or it won't have any power.
    • Tighten up your fist only upon impact. If you do it beforehand, you lose speed and power. It also wastes energy. And right after impact, relax again. Resume your boxing stance or get ready for your next move.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 6 Expect some sort of counter-attack, with it being almost immediately. Your objective is if you are tall, to get in close enough to deliver a straight right cross. And, if you are smaller and more compact, you may need a few jabs to get in close enough for a Punch/hook, or uppercut. The jab will help you accomplish both of these.
    • Even though it's not the strongest punch, it's the most useful. It's both defensive and offensive and is like a small spark of power with supremely accurate precision. It can interrupt combinations, gauge distances, and set you up for the knockout. It can also be very, very distracting. Experiment with yours in different circumstances.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Learning the Variations

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 1 Use the tapper jab. This is really just a diversion. It distracts your opponent, forces him to go on the defensive, and gives you a second to set up another attack. You don't put much energy into the tapper jab -- hence its name. You just give your opponent a light tap while you rev up with your right.
    • In this situation, it's common to tap your opponent's glove with your left and then throw a kick cross to his face or uppercut to his body. The tapper jab is the setup to a lengthier combo.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 2 Go for the double jab. Since your opponent knows what a jab is usually used for, you can totally psych him out with a double jab. He's expecting you to jab with your left and then throw big with your right -- but no, no, no. With a double jab, you hit him left, left, and he won't know what hit him. Literally.
    • A double jab can also break up the chaos when you and your partner are both caught in 1-2 combinations. You both jab with your left and when he goes for his right, your left blocks it and you get the point, even if it's a hook. And you can do the double moving forward, to the side, or backward, too.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 3 Use different levels. You could just jab your opponent in the face, but why stop there? Experiment with jabs high, medium and low. High to the face, medium to the body, and low -- where you're bending low at the knees, avoiding punches and attacking your opponent at his core. The principals all remain the same.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 4 Use the counter jab. When your opponent throws his right at your face, you block it with your right and, since he is left unprotected, you throw a quick jab with your left and boom. Point. It sounds simple, but you have to make sure you're swift and yet relaxed. You have to counter as quickly as possible. No time to flinch!
    • You've got to think on your feet with this one; if you're planning your counter or get tense with expectation, you'll slow down, lose energy, and your opponent will be able to read you. Stay in the moment, keep your head back in case he follows with his right, and step back if need be.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 5 Jab, step back, jab. If you get a jab in and then step back, your opponent is probably throwing his right and missing. And then, like a fox, you get back in there and throw another jab -- something he probably won't be expecting. Agility and speed are important here, too. Make sure he can't read you and follow it up with a hard shot when he's vulnerable.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Newbie Mistakes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 1 Keep your elbow aligned with your fist. If there's one thing you know about boxing, it's probably that you want to take a few hits as possible. So when it comes to jabbing, it's absolutely imperative that you keep your elbows in when you punch. Your opponent can easily see from side to side -- it's the up and down that's harder to spot. If your elbows are flailing at your sides, you'll be asking for it.
    • Only thing on the up-down plane. There is no left and right when it comes to your elbows. When you think of the punch as coming from your body and not your fist, this is easier to maneuver.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 2 Don't launch your weight. Yes, a punch comes from your legs, hips, and core. If you just "push" out your punch, there won't be any power behind it. But at the same time, you are, by no means, launching your weight forward. The bag might show that you have force, but any real-life opponent will be able to quickly get an attack in when you're all off balance and tense.
    • Weight does not equal power. Plenty of muscly guys get to the gym and tense up their muscles and think that's how it's done -- and then they run out of gas and have no defensive game. Those small, spindly boxers have the gusto for a reason.
    • Think of a steel rod running through the backside of your body. It'll keep you from compromising form and technique.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 3 Don't just rely on your arms. Most of your power comes from the transfer of weight and the movement upward through your core. You put your weight forward, it moves up your body, and out through your arm. If you're just punching with your arm, you're making minimal impact.
    • The only thing that is in your arm -- your hand, actually -- is the final snap, like that whip cracking. An upwards snap should be felt through your knuckles, sealing the deal.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Jab in Boxing 4 Punch through. If you're remaining relaxed up until the point of impact and rotating your arm, palms down, shoulder toward your chin, you should have a natural sense of power. Use that sense to punch through whatever it is you're up against. Not at, not on, through. Your energy and force does not stop once you hit your opponent -- you need to feel that energy to whip your arm right back into place for the next point.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What form should I use when I'm jabbing? Derrek Hofrichter Derrek Hofrichter Boxer Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College. Derrek Hofrichter Derrek Hofrichter Boxer Expert Answer Stand with one foot forward and one foot behind, with your feet angled slightly inward. The jab comes from the arm that's on the side with the foot forward. Keep your elbow pointed down, and think about driving from your hips and shoulders into the punch. As you extend the punch, rotate your thumb downwards so that your top two knuckles make impact. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 11
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Perform this punch when your opponent is exactly the length of your arm away. If he is farther, you will fall short and waste energy. If he is closer and he dodges or parries, you will open yourself up to a straight right or a left hook (ouch!). Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't throw a lazy jab. Lazy jabs are characterized by a lack of speed, snap, and intent. A good boxer will punch over the top of a lazy jab and knock you out. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
  • Practice on the heavy bag to gain power. You should hear a loud pop that resonates in the room. If it is not loud enough, snap your hand out more or use more of a twitch. Your body weight is what gives your punches power. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • When sparring, always wear gloves and protective gear. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 12
  • If you are even an amateur boxer, never punch someone without gloves on unless your personal safety is in danger. You can cause brain damage or even death. This can lead to criminal charges and/or lawsuits. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Hand wraps (optional)
  • Gloves
  • Bag
  • Punch mitts (optional)

You Might Also Like

BoxHow toBox Be a Good BoxerHow toBe a Good Boxer Throw a Hook PunchHow toThrow a Hook Punch Punch Harder and FasterHow toPunch Harder and Faster Block a PunchHow toBlock a Punch Slip Punches in BoxingHow toSlip Punches in Boxing Get in a Proper Boxing StanceHow toGet in a Proper Boxing Stance Punch With SpeedHow toPunch With Speed Throw a PunchHow toThrow a Punch Punch HarderHow to Throw a Hard and Powerful Punch Develop Defense in BoxingHow toDevelop Defense in Boxing Do Boxing FootworkHow toDo Boxing Footwork Knock Someone Out with One HitHow to Knock Someone Out in 1 Move: An Expert Guide Build Punching PowerHow toBuild Punching Power Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Derrek Hofrichter. Self-Defense Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Derrek Hofrichter. Self-Defense Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Derrek Hofrichter. Self-Defense Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Derrek Hofrichter. Self-Defense Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/punch-techniques/the-ultimate-boxing-jab-guide
  6. http://www.myboxingcoach.com/punching-how-to-throw-a-jab/
  7. http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/punch-techniques/how-to-throw-a-jab
  8. http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-basics/how-to-box/the-perfect-boxing-stance
  9. http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/07/29/boxing-basics-part-iv-punching-jabcross/

About This Article

Derrek Hofrichter Co-authored by: Derrek Hofrichter Boxer This article was co-authored by Derrek Hofrichter. Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College. This article has been viewed 384,230 times. 31 votes - 88% Co-authors: 35 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 384,230 Categories: Featured Articles | Boxing In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian French Russian Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 384,230 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • voice of pakistan VOP

    voice of pakistan VOP

    Oct 23, 2017

    "It was a good tip for my upcoming junior championship finals. I am perfectly ready for my final, as I wanna become..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Derrek Hofrichter Co-authored by: Derrek Hofrichter Boxer Co-authors: 35 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 384,230 88% of readers found this article helpful. 31 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote voice of pakistan VOP

voice of pakistan VOP

Oct 23, 2017

"It was a good tip for my upcoming junior championship finals. I am perfectly ready for my final, as I wanna become..." more Alexander Hernandez

Alexander Hernandez

Aug 18, 2017

"This explains in detail certain maneuvers while conducting a number of punches." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What's My Fight Style QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizCould You Win a Fight With an Ostrich? Fight Skills QuizCould You Win a Fight With an Ostrich? Fight Skills QuizTake QuizMultidimensional Anger TestMultidimensional Anger TestTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

BoxHow toBoxBe a Good BoxerHow toBe a Good BoxerThrow a Hook PunchHow toThrow a Hook PunchPunch Harder and FasterHow toPunch Harder and Faster

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?

Quizzes & Games

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Mean QuizAm I Mean QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizWhat's My Communication Style QuizWhat's My Communication Style QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Individual Sports
  • Combat Sports
  • Boxing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --754

Tag » How To Throw A Jab