Fundamentals: the jab

As we learn how to box, the most fundamental starting point is the jab. This is the most used and therefore most important punch in boxing; it is effectively used as the set up for all of the other punches. The jab is the closest shot to your opponent, so is the fastest to land. Although it can be used as a knockout punch, it generally does less damage because you’re using your dominant hand. Because of this it’s used more to create opportunities and to score points (landing shots on the head or body that count but don’t necessarily knock your opponent out).