Coach Samantha

from Live Your Best Life Magazine - April 2023

Member’s Profile Vicky Granger

are not planted for a cross, you will lose power.

with the bag first will be your first two knuckles.

How to: Throw a Jab

When looking for speed, the jab is the perfect punch! It is also a staple when it comes to filling your kickboxing tool box, and probably the most common punch thrown in our fitness classes.

This month, I will review the technique of throwing a jab. Why does technique matter? For starters, clean technique ensures safety; the wrong positioning can led to hurt joints or pulled muscles. Secondly, great technique is the foundation for speed and power. For example, if your feet

The following steps will assist you in perfecting your jab:

Step One (Fig. 1):

To throw a great jab, first begin in your guarding stance with hands up (fig. 1). No matter what side you have forward for your guarding stance, your jab will always come from your lead hand (ex. left foot in front, left hand will jab).

Step Two (Fig. 2):

Next, you are going to begin extending your lead arm for your jab. As your arm extends, turn your hand over, so that your palm is facing the floor when your hand makes contact with the bag (fig. 2). The part of your fist that will make contact

Step Three (Fig. 3):

To complete the technique, you want to pull your jab straight back to its place in your guarding position (fig. 3).

The most important thing to remember, with any technique, is that form is the most important aspect - more important than speed and power.

Once you have the technique, then we will add the speed. For our jab, think snap. Snap the punch out and back (pro tip: blow air out to increase speed!).

Practice the jab at home or even on the bag before your next class. If you ever want to go over the jab or any other technique, ask any coach in the club.

Left foot in front means left hand throws the jab. As you extend your arm, turn your fist over so the palm faces the floor.