Jab (boxing)
A jab [ ˈdʒæb ] in boxing is a straight line struck abruptly with the leading hand. The leading hand is usually the somewhat weaker hand that is not used as a striking hand, i.e. usually the left hand for right-handers and vice versa.
The jab is a supplement to the so-called power punches , the uppercut (uppercut) , the cross , the straights with the punching hand and the sideways hook .
Purpose and execution
The jab is a quick, but not particularly hard hit. The hit is usually aimed at the head of the opponent, less often the stomach. Its strength comes mainly from the triceps and chest muscles and, unlike power punches, is not reinforced by an impulse from torso rotation and footwork. Rarely does a boxer go down after a single jab. One then usually speaks of a glass chin , i.e. a lack of receiving qualities in the head area.
A boxer mainly uses the jab to control the "beeline" to the opponent. The jab disturbs the opponent, causing him to keep his cover up and keeping him at a distance so that he has no opportunity to gain advantages in combat in close range (melee or clinch ) or at a distance less than the reach of your own leading hand. A boxer who constantly uses the jab ("jabber") can wear down his opponents with it.
The blow is also important in preparation for another (hard) blow. Boxers with a long range in particular keep their opponents at a distance and work on their cover in order to then suddenly set one or more power punches.
The Compubox , a computer-aided counting system for the individual punches, differentiates between jabs and power punches.
Jab vs. Straight
The difference between a jab and a straight line is that before a jab, the leading hand is held well below your own chin and is only pulled up during the strike with a simultaneous step forward.
The straight line, on the other hand, starts from the chin and can also be carried out without moving forward. The fist moves - as the name suggests - in a straight line, like through a pipe.
Famous users
Some of the best jabbers in boxing history were Joe Louis , Sonny Liston , Larry Holmes , Muhammad Ali , Hector Camacho Sr., and Sugar Ray Leonard . Holmes' jab has often been called "the best of the heavyweights, " while Muhammad Ali's jab was known for its speed. Even Henry Maske and Dariusz Michalczewski had good jabs.
Nowadays, Wladimir Klitschko's jab is considered particularly effective. The frequent jabs also helped him to victory in the fights against Lamon Brewster on July 7, 2007 and over Hasim Rahman on December 13, 2008.
Web links
Notes / individual evidence
- ↑ Max Schmeling: Memories. Ullstein, 1977, ISBN 3-550-07473-5 , page 341 ff.
