Fundamentals
Three answers to the jab
Three options
If you only back away from the opponent's left jab, you can't take control. Choose one of three answers yourself: a simultaneous counter, a parry or a slip. If you keep a twist in your body as you make the jab miss, that twist powers your next counter. This works against opponents who control the distance with their jab.
| Type | Fundamentals |
|---|---|
| Goals | Defense-to-Offense Techniques |
| Guard | Written for orthodox (left foot forward) |
Three answers to the jab: how to do it
- When the opponent's left jab comes, don't back up. Choose which of the three answers to use.
- If you choose the simultaneous counter, throw your own punch in time with their jab.
- If you choose the parry, knock their jab aside with your hand and deflect its path.
- If you choose the slip, move your head to the side so the jab misses.
- Use the twist left in your body as you made it miss to throw a counter.
Three answers to the jab: key points
- Don't back away passively from the opponent's jab. Decide for yourself which of the three to use.
- Keep the twist in your body as you make the punch miss. Unwinding that twist is what throws your next counter.
- Use all three instead of leaning on one, and the opponent has a harder time reading your answer.
Three answers to the jab: common mistakes
- Backing straight up every time the jab comes. The opponent pushes you back and you lose your chances to counter too.
- Turning your body all the way back to face front as you make the punch miss. No twist is left and your counter has no power.
Three answers to the jab: how to practice
- In shadowboxing, picture the opponent's jab and answer it by switching between the simultaneous counter, the parry and the slip. Throw the counter right after you make it miss.
- In front of the heavy bag, put in a slip or a parry and hit the bag straight from the twisted position.
Related techniques
By goalDefense-to-Offense 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.