Combinations
Pawing jab, then step in with the real one-two
Flow(light) Left jab → Step in → Left jab → Right cross
A pawing jab is a light jab thrown to draw a reaction from the opponent rather than to land. You put it out lightly, and the moment they tighten their guard or throw a hand, you step in with a hard one-two. The gap between the light punch and the power punch slows their response. Use it when the distance is a little long and the power punch won't reach from where you are.
| Type | Combinations |
|---|---|
| Notation | 1-1-2 |
| Number of punches | 3 |
| Footwork and defense | Step in |
| Goals | Techniques Off the Jab, Setup-and-Power Techniques, Footwork Techniques, One-Two Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Pawing jab, then step in with the real one-two: step by step
- From your guard, extend a light left jab. Keep it clearly weaker than the power punch, just enough to show it in front of their face.
- Watch how the opponent reacts to the jab you showed. Tightening their guard, throwing a hand or stepping back are all your signal.
- The moment they react, push off the floor with your back foot and step in, front foot first.
- As your front foot lands from the step-in, throw the real left jab hard.
- Follow with a right cross, then bring both hands back beside your chin.
Pawing jab, then step in with the real one-two: key points
- Hold the first left jab to about 30% of the power punch, and throw it to draw the opponent's reaction. The bigger the difference in power between the light punch and the real one, the harder it is for them to read what's next.
- Treat the moment they react as your opening, and step in right then. If you spend too long deciding after you see the reaction, they reset their guard.
- Put the forward momentum from the step-in behind the real one-two.
Pawing jab, then step in with the real one-two: common mistakes
- Throwing the pawing jab hard. There's no difference from the power punch, and you don't draw a reaction either.
- Stepping in with your left hand still down after the pawing jab. You come forward with your face open and you're more likely to take their right.
- Punching before you step in. You're punching from a distance where you can't reach, and the real one-two hits air.
Pawing jab, then step in with the real one-two: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, throw a light pawing jab, then step in through the opening as the opponent reacts and throw a one-two. Check that there's a clear difference between the light punch and the hard ones.
- On the heavy bag, stand a little away, lightly touch the bag with a pawing jab, then step in and land a hard one-two. Check that your stance width holds after the step-in.
Related techniques
By goalTechniques Off the JabSetup-and-Power TechniquesFootwork TechniquesOne-Two Techniques
Left and right are written for orthodox (left foot forward). If you're southpaw, swap left and right as you read. How to read the notation
This is Japanese-style boxing: techniques as taught at a boxing gym in Japan. American or Mexican coaches may teach some of them differently.