a question about the jab

**keepthemhandsup** · 09-02-2008, 03:41 PM

that what i do.....i step in with the jab....

i think the reason why is so you can get closer towards you oppoent and determine the range.......but i think it's something to it

you don't have to do it all the time....but it works

**Ace Dutrey** · 09-02-2008, 04:42 PM

Hey, what's up. Personally, I think it isn't wrong or right I think you must adapt to any possible situation confronting usage of the jab. They are just different schools of thought. The theory behind why they teach you to not step up with the jab is that you're more prone to get timed yourself before you provide an adequate defense because you're not in a "stable" position. Bottom-line is you can do whatever works for you. Who's to say you can't step up with your jab and perform 2-3 slips/duck/pivot directly after the jab just to develop a good offense/defense. If you just step up and not follow up with anything then you will definitely develop bad habits and get caught off balance by just stepping and standing there to get countered on the spot. In either case, remember that you can do it regardless of the different schools of thought just develop good habits to compensate for the step. Hope this helps. Good luck bro.

-Ace

**markeeta** · 09-02-2008, 06:17 PM

I step with my jab, like a spring off the back foot, but it doesn't have to be far. The reason is that it is a more powerful punch because you are using your whole body rather than just an arm shot.

I think, if you change trainers it has to be one who's style you admire and who you respect and want to be like. If that is the case do what he says. If not, find someone who suits you. There will probably be other new things he gets you to do too, so look at his style overall, not just what he says about your jab.

**d_lyrik803** · 09-02-2008, 09:21 PM

i had the same problem. stepping in is different than leaning. when you lean on your jab, you're not springing off your back foot enough to get within distance. if you step in properly you can throw a good, normal jab. i know when i had the leaning problem i tended to throw my whole left shoulder weight into the jab, making me lean because i was too lazy to step in. i learned that the hard way in sparring so had to adjust that.

so i think you're trainer is just saying to use your back foot more to get in good punching distance.

**Talon** · 09-03-2008, 12:40 AM

step in as you jab. then you can either follow it up or step back out and circle to either side

**sweet*science** · 09-03-2008, 12:51 AM

I ve been trained to step with my jab as well. Its the only way that I learned to throw my jab. A side note to mention a be that also i was just taught to pick off a persons jab by using this technique. Basically throwing my jab when they throw theirs but catching their jab with my right hand, left hand if a southpaw of course. Its great for amateurs in scoring points. Good luck.

**eman-resu** · 09-03-2008, 05:32 AM

I've never heard otherwise, how would you hit anything without a step on your jab? The idea is to step into your opponents range when you punch and move away, not stand in it.

**mspiegelo** · 09-03-2008, 06:56 AM

yes, stepping with your jab is the most common way. you're right about not leaning though. stay centered over your center of gravity for stability. while you are stepping with the front foot, think of it more along the lines if a push off of your back foot as you pop the jab. you will get much more power that way.

that being said, there are times when it is good to not step with the jab in a real fight/sparring environment. it can be an effective countering tool. jabbing without a step, jabbing from/at different angles, etc. my trainer always teaches me the proper way but stresses that you cannot lock yourself to the rules 100% of the time. you have to adapt to the situation in the ring. If your opponent is lunging in at you, you may not need to step at all in order to pop him with a jab as he comes in....

**peewee1460** · 09-03-2008, 11:54 AM

thanks for all the feedback, i'm getting ready to head to the gym so i'll try to keep all the above posts in mind.

a question about the jab