Being a shorter fighter you may be taught to try and fight on the inside and focus on hooks and uppercuts when in the ring. While that may be true being a shorter boxer doesn’t necessarily mean you can neglect your jab. In this article we will explore 5 ways to improve your jab as a shorter boxer.
There are five main tricks which can really help shorter boxers to improve their jab, and these are:
- Use Your Jab As A Range Finder
- Use Angles To Your Advantage
- Jab And Slip
- Practice Timing
- Double Jab
Read on to discover everything you need to know about these tips and tricks, and see how you could take your jab to the next level – regardless of your size!
- Use Your Jab As A Range Finder
Knowing how to use range to your advantage can be a real make or break moment in any match, and shorter fighters have the advantage here. Understanding range is basically understanding your position in relation to your opponent; the top boxers will have this calculated down to the nearest millimeter. Being able to find your range can give you the upper hand, and you are likely to find yourself in one of five categories:
- Out of Range
As the name suggests, staying out of range means that there is enough distance between opponents for neither to land a shot – this is typically calculated as being the length of your extended arm, plus a width of a fist. In this position, there is no threat on either side, and too much of this can result in a flat and unfulfilling fight.
- Edge of Range
If out of range is the length of an extended arm plus a fist width, the edge of range refers to anywhere in the space of that extra fist. Being able to work out when you are on the edge of range is important; it adds extra pressure on your opponent, offering a psychological advantage, and keeping them on edge. It also only requires a short move forwards to ensure that you are within striking distance for long range shots; the move is powerful and explosive, while still allowing you to remain on the edge of range while you plan your next move.
- Long Range
This is the space which allows you to deploy any long range shots, such as jabs and crosses, and can be a great way for shorter boxers to keep taller opponents on the back foot, allowing you to test the field prior to an explosive short range attack.
- Mid Range
The mid range is determined as the area from the length of an extended arm, to the point where a right hook would land. Here is where you start to build up real power with your shots, with hooks and uppercuts in particular becoming increasingly deadly. This has often been considered one of the best spaces for shorter fighters; you can move from long to mid range quickly, delivering a devastating blow before retreating, or catching your opponent off guard to continue the attack. Moves are short, sharp and explosive.
- Short Range
The short range is where the true power lies, and allows you and your opponent to go head to head. Shorter fighters will be able to maximise their body type, delivering strong, powerful shots which also protect you; the moves are fast, leaving the opponent little time to defend themselves.
When used correctly, the rangefinding jab can be the perfect way to set up a serious power punch with the dominant hand. It allows you to conserve stamina and energy, and removes the risk of wiping out on a punch which misses the mark. Instead, you can feel confident you are within range, and commit your stronger hand at the perfect moment.
- Use Angles To Your Advantage
There is a common misconception that a shorter height will automatically put you at a disadvantage – but this is only the case if you allow it to be. Shorter fighters are more compact, and this allows you to use angles to your full advantage, placing yourself in positions which make it tricky for your opponent to go in with a long, straight jab – this can cause them to lose balance, offering a perfect opportunity for you to jump in, Similarly, make sure you throw your jabs at angles – taller fighter will take fractionally longer to respond to the change, and this can help you gain and keep the upper hand in no time.
Figure out the blindspots; as a smaller fighter, you have the advantage of speed and agility. With practice, you will learn to hunt down the blindspots of taller fighters, and use these to angle your blows more effectively.
- Jab And Slip
The jab and slip combo is one which has the potential to be lethal if performed correctly, and can be particularly advantageous to smaller fighters whose reduced height offers them increased agility and the ability to move more quickly. As the name suggests, the move involves slipping past your opponents punch, and using their temporary loss of balance to get in a short, sharp jab. Speed is essential here; you need to be able to anticipate the move of your taller opponent, and move your head to one side at the last possible minute. This will force them to follow the move through, and offsets their balance just enough for you to make your move – as a smaller fighter, this can usually be right to the core, or a swipt uppercut beneath the jaw.
- Practice Timing
Getting your timing right is critical for any fighter, but it can be particularly useful to those who lack height. One of the key advantages to a smaller physique is the speed and agility which can be obtained; your reduced height will usually mean that you weigh slightly less, and this allows you to use the weight of your opponent against them. The difference made can sometimes come down to nanoseconds, but this still offers a chance to grab and keep the advantage.
Practice your footwork and short range attacks; these are most likely to be where your power lies, and will allow you to really use a shorter stature to turn the fight your way.
- Double Jab
Mastering the double jab should be a priority for a shorter fighter, and can give you the edge you need – as the name suggests, this is literally two jabs with opposite hands in quickfire succession. For best results, get right to the edge of range for your opponent, and ensure that your back foot is beneath your body. Carefully sneak your lead food into range, and catch the jab thrown at you. Use your weight to transfer your power forward, and follow this with your own double jab – this allows you to really take your opponent by surprise and gain the advantage. As you fight, you will be able to ascertain and predict timing; use this to slip outside, and jab at the same time as the other fighter moves, followed immediately by another short jab; this combination is perfect for taking the enemy by surprise.
Other Techniques To Improve Your Jab
Working on your jab will help give you more confidence in the ring, as well as enable you to make the most of your strength and power, and use your shorter height to your full advantage. Some of the following techniques can help you to really hone these skills, and give you the weapons you need to win.
Footwork
Footwork is one of the most important skills to master for the shorter boxer; this could be the difference between victory and defeat. Neat, fast footwork allows you to get on the inside without sustaining severe damage; you can neatly slip and bob the opponent jabs, and be in their space before they have a chance to react.
Balance
Additionally, speedy footwork allows you to use your opponent’s height against them to gain the advantage – it takes more energy to swing and miss than is used in a direct hit, and this is especially true if you use your footwork to keep them at the edge of range – they will have to put their full power into the jab, only to be unbalanced when you are no longer there. Make sure you focus on your balance and agility in collaboration with your footwork; use your more compact frame to help you dart around the ring and keep your enemy guessing.
Speed
Shadow boxing drills are your new best friend when it comes to improving your jab – this is the secret to picking up speed. When practiced correctly, shadow boxing allows you to build muscle and strength, as well as forcing you to focus on your balance, form and technique. Many of us pick up bad habits when fighting, such as looking down or being lazy with footwork – both of these will put you at a disadvantage. Shadow Boxing drills offer a chance to work out any bad habits, and commit the correct form and technique to muscle memory ready for the next fight. For best results, mix things up with a combination of crosses, jabs, uppercuts and combos in each session; this will help you achieve a great full body workout, as well as running through the basic skills.
Finally
Though it may not initially feel that way, shorter boxers have a number of ways to get the better of taller fighters, and much of this relies on honing their jabs. By learning the moves which work, and adding a wealth of tips and tricks to your arsenal, you will be in the perfect position to take your enemy by surprise, deliver that killer blow, and gain the advantage in a fight – no matter how great the height difference.