Title: Jab: Steps, Key Details & Mistakes | DARCE

Canonical: https://darce.app/techniques/striking/jab

> Jab. The lead-hand straight punch: your range-finder, rhythm-setter and the setup for everything else.

# Jab

- Striking
- Punches
- fundamental
- Orthodox stance
- 3 steps

The lead-hand straight punch: your range-finder, rhythm-setter and the setup for everything else. Also known as the Lead straight or the Mud Trong. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

## When to use it

Use the jab to find your range at the start of every exchange and to slow down an opponent who walks you down. Double it to close distance, or jab the body first so their guard drops for the next one to the head. Step in with it as they plant their feet, not while they move away.

## Step by step

1. 01

   ### Set your stance

   Hands at the chin, chin tucked, weight balanced over both legs.

2. 02

   ### Fire the jab

   Extend the lead hand straight to the target, turning the fist over at the end. The rear hand stays glued to the chin.

3. 03

   ### Recover to guard

   Snap the hand straight back to your chin and reset your stance. Never leave it out.

## Key details

- Punch in a straight line and bring it back along the same path.
- Turn the fist over at the end and exhale sharply.
- A small step with the lead foot adds reach and power.

## Common mistakes

- Dropping the rear hand as the jab goes out.
- Cocking the hand back first and telegraphing.
- Leaning the head out over the lead foot.

## Common counters

Opponents slip outside the jab and come back with a cross or an overhand, or parry it with the rear hand and step in. A slow, pawing jab invites a rear-hand counter straight down the line. Keep it snappy and move your head as it returns.

## How to drill it

Jab and move on focus mitts: land a jab, then take one step off at an angle before the next. Work three-minute rounds with the holder walking you down, so you practise landing it while stepping back as well as stepping in.

## Related techniques

- [Cross Striking The rear-hand straight punch: your primary power shot, driven by rotating the hip and pivoting the rear foot.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/cross)
- [Lead Hook Striking A short horizontal lead-hand punch that turns through the side of the target on the pivot of the hips.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/lead-hook)
- [Rear Hook Striking A power hook from the rear hand, turning the whole body to land on the side of the head.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/rear-hook)
- [Overhand Striking A looping rear-hand power punch that arcs over the opponent’s guard and crashes down on the head.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/overhand)
- [Liver Shot (Body Hook) Striking A lead hook dug into the body below the ribs: a fight-ending shot that drains the gas tank.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/liver-shot)
- [Spinning Backfist Striking A spinning strike that lands the back of the fist, generating power from the rotation of the body.](https://darce.app/techniques/striking/spinning-backfist)

Train it with the AI coach

- [AI MMA Coach Striking, wrestling and grappling, read as one fight.](https://darce.app/ai-mma-coach)
- [AI Boxing Coach Punch selection, defense and movement, round by round.](https://darce.app/ai-boxing-coach)
- [AI Muay Thai Coach Punches, kicks, knees, elbows and the clinch.](https://darce.app/ai-muay-thai-coach)
- [AI Kickboxing Coach Combinations, kicks and the defense between them.](https://darce.app/ai-kickboxing-coach)