Fight Training Anywhere & Anytime: Always Be Fight Ready

6 Jab Mistakes You Must Avoid and How to Fix Them

Training
September 19, 2024

Most important punch you have in your arsenal is THE JAB.

And I've talked a lot about using the jab.

But there are 6 mistakes you need to avoid when throwing the most important punch.

Because what NOT to do is just as important as what to do.

Here are 6 jab mistakes you need to avoid and how to fix them.

Video Breakdown

Mistake #1: Looping or Dropping the Jab

First jab mistake is looping or dropping the jab hand.

Jab needs to come back to your fight stance the same way it went out - straight out and straight back in.

Looping it down or dropping the jab hand back opens you to counters such as a cross or hook.

Important Note: you may see some fighters throw the jab and drop it down on the return. It is often done as a mistake but there are 2 reasons to do this deliberately.

  • One: to defend against a potential takedown. Looping the jab down allows for your hands to work the under hooks and sprawl, defending the takedown.
  • Two: to set up bait for him to counter so you can counter back. You are asking them to counter you off your looping jab but you are setting up a trap to counter them back.

If you're going to loop the jab, make sure you're doing it for a reason and a purpose.

Mistake #2: Leaving Your Chin Up

Second mistake is leaving your chin up when throwing the jab.

Keep your chin down and lead shoulder up, tucking your chin into your shoulder for additional protection.

No tension, just slight elevation for extra protection.

Mistake #3: Rear Hand Not Protecting Your Jaw/Chin

Third mistake is dropping your rear hand on the jab. Leaving your opposite side open to counters.

The fist needs to be by your jaw, your chin. Protecting the opposite side.

Also keep the rear hand elbow closer to your body, protecting it.

Mistake #4: Dropping Rear Hand

There is a natural tendency to dropping your rear hand when throwing a jab. This is known as the bow and arrow mistake.

When you throw a jab, rear hand gets dropped down and drawn back as if you are shooting an arrow.

You need to drill this out of you.

To fix this you need to drill being aware of what your opposite hand is doing. I suggest using tennis ball aid I've talked about here. It will help you fix this jab mistake.

Mistake #5: No Distance Control

Fifth mistake is lack of range and distance control. Being either too far to land a jab or too close where you should be using hooks and uppercuts.

Here is being too far to land the jabs:

Or being too close to land the jabs:

To land with jabs effectively, you have to be at the end of them, full extension.

If you are too far to throw the jab then use footwork to get yourself in range. Don't lean to cover distance too much. Maintain balance over your feet.

If you are too close to throw the jab, either move back using footwork or utilize close-in shots. Hooks, uppercuts, elbows, knees, trips.

You have get good at managing range and distance so you know exactly where you are and what you can throw.

Use the punching bag to drill your distance and range.

Mistake #6: Being Lazy

Last jab mistake is being lazy.

Essentially not being deliberate throwing the jab. Not using it to hurt, not using it to set anything up, not using to counter.

Simply throwing the jab because you were told you should throw more jabs.

You need to use the jab with intent. To gauge range, gauge distance, to set up your next shot, to counter their offense.

Be methodical and deliberate. Be a thinking fighter.

How to Fix Mistakes When Drilling Solo

Put a camera on you and drill jabs. Combine the jabs with other combinations. Implement footwork.

Do this during shadow boxing and on the punching bag.

Then watch it back.

The footage will point out what mistakes you are doing and what you need to fix.

Striking Fundamentals Vol.1

Master the snapping jab with "Striking Fundamentals Vol.1". The program that will teach how to win fights with only 4 punches and 8 combinations.


Fight Training From Home Programs/Courses

Fight Training From Home Programs/Courses

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you'll be spending majority of your life training solo (from home or on the road). Working on technique, drilling, developing strength and cardio. I've been training all my life. Here are some of the best programs and courses to start or continue fight training from home.


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Course: Striking Fundamentals Vol.1

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Course: Striking Fundamentals Vol.2

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