Most people do not put behind their jab so it is not respected by opponents; as you throw the jab, an opponent may come over the top with a cross or may slip inside the jab and catch you with a hook. Before you may use your jab as a feint, you have to make it believable. Once you have a credible jab that is feared by opponents, you may start to use it with techniques.
A great way to get an opponent to lower the lead hand and expose the chin is to use a jab to the stomach. If opponent does not lower the lead hand, just hit the floating rib.
Use as you slip outside or sidestep.
When to Catch Opponent. Often, an opponent is ready to move, once free of your first attack, to make you miss. However, after this first movement the opponent has nowhere to go unless he or she is pretty good. Often, if you are ready to follow up, you may catch the opponent flatfooted at this time. Many opponents lean away from your initial attack. If you are ready to follow up from that, you may usually catch most people. Throw a technique at the face to see the reaction, then you will know exactly what to do since the opponent has shown his or her intention.
Jabs keep you established as the aggressor. They help keep your opponent on the defensive and they show judges you are on steadily on the attack.
Keep jabs in the opponent's face. They flash in the opponent's eyes and keep him or her on the defensive, which allows you to mount an offensive.
Jabs help make holes in the opponent's guard for more powerful punches to be used. Thomas Hearns jabbed at his opponent's forehead to lift the chin for a knockout right cross. Jab to the stomach to lower the guard, then right cross to the chin, followed by a left hook to the liver.
Jabs show you have no fear and help establish your dominance. You are showing you are not afraid to mix it up.
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