jab problems...

[Wezzie_85]

Hello,
i started boxing for,uh, about four months ago. I had "studied" the sport for quite some time before so i had some clue about the punches, dodging etc. however, i find it extremely difficult to aim my jab correctly; i mean it seems to land nowhere near it was intented to and while training bare handed i annoyingly often hit incorrectly, not with the knuckles but with almost everything else... i am right-handed (surprise, surprise) - almost one handed, if you see what i mean. my question is, are there any useful drills to increase coordination of the hand, in my case especially the jab...?

[HtTKar]

I dont know what you mean by "studied" the art. You got some work to do, but if you are really serious about boxing, and work hard you can get really good with about 6-8months of training.

The best advice I can give is to go to a boxing gym and talk with a trainer. They will see things that you are doing wrong, and will be there to correct you, and support you with possitive feedback. They will be by your side and will be committed to making you the best boxer you can be. That will get you committed to the sport, provide sparring partners, etc.

Other than that, you might want to get a double end bag for handeye coordination, and just start throwing punches, at least 1000-2000 every morning until you can hit it with rhythm with your eyes closed.

[AlexJitsu]

I was going to recommend the double end bag as well. It's given me great accuracy with punches and good response to movement.

[Jab902]

I have close to the same problem.
My left handed jab is not that good but my right one is really good. The problem is that i lead with my left hand so not being able to jab good with it is a big problem, tried switching leading hans but my rights my power hand.

As for Weezie try practicing the techniqe of the jab and get better timing down then go faster, but don't forget to practice with your other punches.

[Enzo566]

ok i dont have the same problem but, i thought id put it here anyways.

I use my jab, alot but like its not as powerful as id like, i want it to sting....So any inpot on that would help also but anyways my problem is it seems like i can never get in range to hook, without getting blasted in the process. Since i just started about a month ago so im not really that good at slipping and bobbing and weaving and stuff so im working on that.

But what is the correct timing and range to throw a hook? I try jab cross hook but i get hit on the third punch always.

[HtTKar]

Enzo566,
Some things to try might be

For the jab, to get it to sting more. Focus on pulling it back as fast as possible. This will get you back into striking position so you can throw many jabs, it will also make your jab almost whiplike.

Try raising the bottom of your double-end or headache bag about 1' over your head. This will have you keeping your hands up in good jabbing position, and will also build up a lot of strength and endurance. Focus on retracting your arms back into position. You'll speed up your punches almost instantly. I like doing this drill because it gets you in the habit of punching over other peoples punches, instead of trying to punch through.

For the hook. Range for me is about as far out as my elbow sticks, or headbutt range. Very close range. Maybe you could try a jab with the left. Duck and give a good body-shot, then move over to their side and left-hook over their right hand. The key with hooks is to not let them see them (of course), so a left hook is usually easier to land than a right hook. Visa-versa when fighting against southpaws. Youre not going to be able to just get in there and land hooks. You really need to set them up, get real close, and close off their strong side.

These are just ideas. They might not work for you, but should be worth a shot. Good luck!

[southpaw14]

being a young boxer, age of 15, and only boxing for about 7 months my adivce is pretty much useless but im not at the gym so i have nothing else to do . The jab doesnt have to sting the point of the jab isnt to hurt somebody its to set up combos, i have recently found this out and tried jabbing with less power and more speed and i will be able to throw a double jab and then put a power cross, the jab blocks there eye sight and makes them close there eyes, also i have been taught to swipe the jab away with your hand and if you can jab over it, fake a jab they move there hand and you got a perfect opening to place a hook. Just my unexpierenced unprofessional amatuer opnion.

[Enzo566]

well im sure yours is more professional than mine since ive been boxing for about a month or 2.

My other question is where can i get a headache bag, and how do i set one up in my home if thats even possible... cause my gym doesnt have one. I know I know, if it was a real boxing gym it should have one but its a shootfighting gym, and im learning the kickboxing part there, so im learning that.

[HtTKar]

You can buy a headache bag or double-end bag at any sports store.
I bought mine at Dicks sporting goods, but they're everywhere.

Just type Headache bag into google and you'll find many suppliers. Make sure it comes with an adjustable strap for the top and a bunjee for the bottom.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=headache+bag

There are many ways to set these up. My favorite is to set it up in your Living room so you can hit it while watching TV. For the top you connect to an eye hook, and adjust the strap to the heigth you want.

Just tie a 20-25lb dumbell to the bottom bunjee to keep it secured. Besides, then you know your timing and power are good when you get that weight swinging around. They're really simple, really. But once you start getting bags you'll wonder why you never had them before. They are a necessity if you ask me. Good luck!