A jab is one of the four main punches used in boxing, the three others being the uppercut, the hook and the cross . Out of all four, the jab is perhaps the most popularly known one, because the word is often used in talk unrelated to boxing. Many also consider the jab to be the most important punch in boxing, as well. It is rarely the strongest punch in a fighter's arsenal. The Compubox computerized punch scoring system divides punches between jabs and power punches.

Jabs are straight, arm-length punches thrown from the leading hand. They are used for many purposes. First, a jab can be defensive; through its speed of execution and reach, one can keep the opponent at distance, avoiding him from charging in, stunning him with a jab to the nose or eye. However, a jab can also be offensive, as one of its most important uses is to set up the opponent for another punch. Jabs usually land on the face or the head, but jabs to the stomach can be used, though they lead to more exposure to a counter attack. While a boxer receives a jab to the face, his rival may try to sneak in a more powerful hook or uppercut, in this case the jab is a set up and also works as a cover. Jabs can also be used to begin combinations, usually followed by the uppercut or hook, but jabs can also be thrown after the hook or uppercut. When a fighter is hurt, the jab usually becomes of second importance, as the opponent moves in for the knockout and throws harder punches.

When boxing, the jab will get your opponent off his rhythm and at the same time it will set you up for your own combinations. The jab is the only punch where you don't step or you don't cork your body but it's still a body punch, and you still throw it with your body. You extend up with your shoulder and bring it right back, rotate it and bring it right back. As you practice and develop your jab you'll be able to throw a high jab, a medium jab and a low jab.^[1]

Historians consider some of the best jabbers in history to be Sonny Liston, Larry Holmes, Muhammad Ali, Hector Camacho, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Holmes' jab has often been called "the best among Heavyweights", Ali's jab was famous for its speed and Liston's for its power.

In American English, the word jab is also used when someone is bothering someone else, what is commonly known as verbal jabs. "Don't throw jabs at me" and "Quit jabbing!" are popular sayings. This may be because the verbal annoyances are not substantial attacks, and are similar to a boxing jab in that they are only annoying (not a knockout blow).

In British English, the word jab is also used to mean a medical injection.

References

1. ^ Video: Boxing - Throwing a Jab Teaches how to properly throw a jab