Jabstraight

Jabstraight is a basic punching sequence used in boxing and mixed martial arts, consisting of a quick lead-hand jab followed immediately by a straight punch from the rear hand. The jab serves to measure range, disrupt the opponent’s guard, and set up the more powerful straight, which lands with sharper leverage and can target the head or body.

Technique is foundational. In an orthodox stance, the lead jab is thrown with a rapid, snapping motion, the elbow tucked and the hand returning quickly to guard. Immediately after the jab, the rear shoulder and hip rotate to drive a straight punch (a cross) from the rear hand, with the rear elbow kept close to the body and the wrist aligned to prevent bending. The non-punching hand remains up to guard the chin, and the feet pivot so the weight transfers naturally from back to front foot. A southpaw practitioner follows the mirrored pattern, with the straight coming from the right hand after the left jab, or vice versa depending on stance and setup.

Variations and applications include a double jab followed by the straight to trap an opponent’s guard, or a jab-straight aimed to the body and head for varied targets. The sequence is often integrated into longer combinations and can be timed to interrupt an opponent’s rhythm or to counter their forward pressure. It is also common to mix in feints and to adjust tempo to reduce telegraphing.

Training and practice emphasize speed and precision over raw power. Drills include heavy bag work, focus-mitt sessions, and shadowboxing to develop timing, distance, and smooth hip-rotation. Emphasis is on maintaining a tight guard, keeping the chin down, and recovering quickly after the straight.