Once you have the basics down, whether that is the boxing jab or the front punch from martial arts, it is time to start using variations. This longer video lesson looks at variations of the jab and the lunge punch. It is for boxers and traditional martial artists who have the fundamentals and want more from them.

There are countless ways of doing it. Here I show some examples to get you thinking about how you can use the technique in your own way.

Basics First, Then Variations

I always say the basics come first, and I mean it. A variation built on a poor jab is just a different poor jab. Before you play with variations, your stance, balance, guard and alignment need to be solid, and you need to be able to throw the punch relaxed and return it to your guard every time.

Once that is in place, variations make you far harder to read. An opponent who sees the same jab every time soon learns to time it. An opponent who sees it change will have to think, and thinking is slow.

Ways a Jab Can Change

There are many ways to vary a straight lead punch. Some of the general options are:

  • Changing the target, such as head, body or a guard
  • Changing the step, with no step, a short step, a long step or a step to the side
  • Changing the speed and power, from a light touch to a full shot
  • Changing the timing, such as doubling, trebling or pausing
  • Changing the angle by moving the head or feet as you throw

The boxing jab and the martial arts lunge punch are closer relatives than many people think. Both are straight lead hand punches. The lunge punch tends to cover more ground, and the jab tends to be lighter and faster. Learning one helps you understand the other.

Common Mistakes

The main mistake is changing too much at once, so the punch falls apart. Change one thing at a time. The second is forgetting defence. Every variation still has to bring the hand back and keep the chin protected.

How to Practise

Pick one variation and work it on the bag for a full round. Then add it to your shadow boxing. Then use it on the pads, where your coach can tell you if it is working. Once you have a few that feel natural, mix them up, so no two jabs in a row look the same.

Take It Further

The jab and its variations are covered in The Boxing Series. If you come from a karate background, Kata Unleashed shows how traditional techniques like the lunge punch can be applied.