What is the Pawing Jab?

The paw jab won’t end the fight, but it can be an effective tool for setting up other punches that may prevent your opponent from continuing to box. Used by legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali, this technique has stood the test of time.

The pawing jab is also one of the most versatile variations of the jab. It is used as a range finder, to set up powerful shots or to trick opponents into punching you while you leave your arm outstretched. This article will explain what the paw strike is, why it is used, and how it can improve your success in the ring.

Comprehension The thunderous blow

While the paw jab may seem like a lazily thrown jab, everything about its mechanics is intentional. Unlike the conventional jab thrown with speed, the paw jab is thrown slowly. Instead of snapping your arm at your opponent like a whip, you “paw” them like a cat trying to get its owner’s attention. This will make it easier to measure distance, control distances, induce the opponent to throw and set up powerful punches.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the uses of the paw jab:

• Distance Control: A paw jab is a tactical yardstick you use to gauge how far away your opponent is so you can make the next move. Knowing the distance between you and your opponents is crucial to avoiding markers and creating combinations. You can also measure the distance with a conventional jab, but a paw jab gives you a better feel.
• Setting Power Shots: The paw jab can be used to set up powerful shots by getting your opponent to move their guard in the desired direction, leaving them open for an uppercut, hook, or underhanded cross.
• Create distractions: Throwing a pounding jab leaves opponents momentarily occupied, making them more likely to miss what comes next. The slow speed of the punch temporarily blocks their line of sight, making it easier to land powerful blows through their guard.
• Energy saving: Throwing a jab with your paw requires less effort than the conventional method, making it ideal for putting pressure on your opponents while conserving your energy.

When to use the pounding jab

Some of the best scenarios to use the paw strike include:

• Against defensive-minded opponents: Use paw strikes to frustrate overly defensive opponents by forcing them to constantly react to your attempts to block their vision and move their guard. Any movement an opponent makes to repel a paw strike from his face leaves him vulnerable to counterattacks.
• To Confuse Opponents: Mix up your jabs with feints to get your opponent to start slapping in the air every time you feint a jab.
• To shorten distances: Paw strikes work well in that midzone where you’re not close enough to land combinations but don’t want to back away. You can keep your opponent busy with a pawing jab as you get closer to him.

How to throw a pounding jab

Ready to add the pounding jab to your collection of fighting techniques? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of its mechanics:

• Get into a boxing stance with your guard up and your weight evenly distributed.
• Slowly extend your lead hand as you would when throwing a jab. Don’t worry about turning your hips or rotating your supporting leg. You are not trying to land with significant power when using this technique. The goal is to block your opponent’s vision by aiming for the space in front of their face or touching their guard. Don’t engage in the punch; you simply extend your arm to gather information.
• Bring your hand back to guard.

Pay attention to your opponent’s reaction whenever you use a paw jab while training or competing. Do they lean backwards? Block high? Or try throwing a counter to a counter while your arm is extended. Look for openings you can exploit and follow up with a cross, hook or uppercut.

Examples of fighters using the paw jab effectively

Some of the fighters whose recordings you should watch to master the paw jab include:

• Floyd Mayweather: Mayweather used a paw jab in almost all of his fights, usually using it to set up a hard cross. You can learn a lot from his fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who he played with throughout the fight with paw strikes.
• Jon “Bones” Jones: If you thought paw strikes only worked in boxing, think again. Many MMA fighters also use the technique and Jones is one of the best at it. He often throws paw strikes at his opponent’s legs to set up his signature spinning elbows.
• Thomas Hearns: Some boxing fans argue to the point of exhaustion that Hearns is the best at using the paw jab. It’s hard to argue against Tape, given the success he had during his many classic brawls in the ring, using the paw jab to set up the straight right hand that earned him the nickname “The Hitman.”

Common mistakes to avoid

While a paw strike can be an effective tool during combat, its improper use can leave you open to counterattacks. Some of the common mistakes you should try to avoid include:

• Let your guard down: Scalping too lazily leaves you with counters, especially hooks and overhands. Be ready to block incoming shots with your back hand or front shoulder when you throw it.
• Excessive use: As is the case with other boxing techniques, you don’t want to overuse your paw jab. Change your timing when you throw it and use quick jabs so your opponent is never quite sure what’s going to happen next.

A great tool in the box

The paw strike can effectively set up your powerful strikes and manage distances during a fight. It’s a simple technique to master, but it can have a huge impact on the success of your other shots. Try incorporating the paw jab and see how it will improve your boxing game!

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