1. Stance (Boxing Guard/Ready Position)

• Foot Position: Begin in your standard boxing stance, with your lead foot forward (left foot for orthodox, right foot for southpaw). Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart, with your weight balanced on the balls of your feet for agility and mobility.
• Knees and Hips: Maintain a slightly bent posture with relaxed knees. This allows for stability, while keeping you mobile to pivot or move quickly. Your hips should stay aligned with your body’s center of gravity to maintain balance.
• Hands/Guard: Keep your lead hand up near your chin to protect your face, and your rear hand should be held near your jaw for defense. Your elbows should be tucked to protect your ribs, and your head should be slightly off-center to avoid being a stationary target for your opponent’s attacks.

2. Chambering the First Jab (Preparation)

• Lead Hand Position: Start with your lead hand (left hand for orthodox, right hand for southpaw) in a ready position near your chin, elbow slightly bent. This position prepares you to quickly extend your arm to throw the jab.
• Engaging the Core and Shoulders: Although the jab is thrown with the lead hand, you should still engage your core and shoulders for added power and speed. Keep your upper body relaxed but ready to move.

3. Throwing the First Jab (The Actual Strike)

• Step 1 – Extend the Lead Arm: Quickly extend your lead arm towards your opponent’s face or head, aiming to disrupt their guard or create distance. The motion should be sharp and fast, snapping your hand out. Keep your elbow slightly bent during the punch to avoid overextending.
• Step 2 – Fist Position: As you extend your arm, rotate your wrist so that your palm faces down when the punch lands. The first two knuckles should make contact with the target, and your hand should be solid and tight, not loose.
• Step 3 – Quick Retract: After the jab lands, quickly retract your lead hand back to your guard position near your chin. The retraction is crucial to avoid leaving yourself open for a counterattack.

4. Throwing the Second Jab (The Follow-Up)

• Step 1 – Immediate Recoil and Chamber: After you retract the first jab, immediately recoil and chamber your lead hand back near your chin. Do not wait long before launching the second jab.
• Step 2 – Extend the Second Jab: Throw the second jab with similar speed and power, maintaining the same form as the first jab. The second jab should come quickly, aiming for your opponent’s face or head, or to follow up with a different combination (such as a cross).
• Step 3 – Speed Over Power: The second jab is primarily used to maintain pressure on your opponent, create openings, or disorient them. Speed and accuracy are more important than raw power for the second jab.

5. Footwork During the Double Jab

• Pivoting and Weight Transfer: The jab is thrown from the lead side, but you may need to pivot slightly on your rear foot to help with the extension and retraction of your lead arm. Avoid shifting too much weight forward, as this could make you off-balance.
• Sliding Forward or Back: Depending on the range and your opponent’s movement, you may choose to step forward with your lead foot slightly as you throw the first jab, closing the distance. When you throw the second jab, you can slide back or use footwork to reset your position, keeping your balance while staying unpredictable.

6. Defensive Positioning and Protection

• Rear Hand Guard: While throwing the double jab, make sure your rear hand stays up to protect your chin and face. This guard helps protect you from potential counters or hooks from your opponent.
• Head Movement: After the first jab, slightly slip or bob your head to avoid counterattacks from your opponent. You can also subtly angle your head to the side to make yourself a harder target to hit.
• Elbow Position: Avoid flaring your elbows out when you jab. A compact and controlled jab with elbows tucked in keeps you protected and makes the punch more effective.

7. Follow-up and Recovery

• Return to Guard After the Second Jab: After the second jab lands (or misses), immediately return to your guard position to be ready for counters. Avoid leaving your hands down or in a vulnerable position.
• Set-up for Combinations: The double jab can set up a variety of follow-up punches, such as a cross, uppercut, or hook. Use the second jab to open up your opponent’s guard and create openings for more powerful strikes.
• Reset Your Position: After the double jab, make sure you are back in your balanced stance. This ensures that you are prepared to defend or launch a follow-up attack as needed.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overextending: Avoid reaching too far with the jab, as this can leave you off-balance and exposed to counters. The jab should be sharp and compact, not a wild, lunging strike.
• Dropping the Rear Hand: One common mistake is dropping the rear hand after throwing the jab. Always return your rear hand to guard after every jab to protect your chin from counterattacks.
• Not Using Footwork Effectively: Footwork is crucial for setting up the double jab and maintaining balance. Avoid standing still after throwing the first jab—use footwork to adjust your range and angle to keep your opponent guessing.
• Lack of Speed: The second jab is most effective when thrown quickly. A slow second jab can be easily countered. Make sure both jabs are fast and fluid, with no hesitation.

9. Advanced Concepts

• Feinting with the First Jab: At an advanced level, the first jab can be used as a feint to bait your opponent into reacting. By pretending to throw a jab, you can set up your second jab to catch them off-guard.
• Double Jab into a Cross: The double jab is often used to set up a powerful cross. After the second jab lands, your opponent’s guard may be open, allowing you to follow up with a cross for increased damage.
• Double Jab with Lateral Movement: To further confuse your opponent, throw the double jab while stepping to the side, creating an angle that makes it harder for them to block or counter your punches.

Summary:

The double jab is a versatile and effective punch in boxing. It allows you to control the distance, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and set up more powerful strikes. The key to the double jab is speed, accuracy, and maintaining defensive readiness. It is best used to keep the opponent off balance, break through their guard, or open up opportunities for follow-up punches. Proper footwork, head movement, and guarding are essential to making the double jab an effective tool in your boxing arsenal.