Jab
A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand, used to score, keep distance and set up bigger shots.
Definition
The jab is a straight punch delivered with the lead hand — the left for an orthodox boxer, the right for a southpaw. It travels the shortest path to the target and is the fastest, most frequently used punch in boxing, thrown with a small step and a quick retraction of the hand back to guard.
Beyond scoring, the jab controls range and tempo: fighters use it to measure distance, disrupt an opponent's rhythm and open openings for power punches such as the cross, hook and uppercut. Its defensive value — keeping opponents at bay and covering entries — makes it a foundational tool taught early in boxing and many striking martial arts.
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Exercises
Techniques
- Chest PassA two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- PlankA static core exercise that holds the body in a straight line supported on the forearms and toes.
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Serve-receive formationHow a volleyball team arranges its passers to receive the serve and set up a clean first attack.
- Net playControlling the point from close to the net with volleys, smashes and touch shots to cut down an opponent’s time.
- Pacing strategyPlanning how to distribute effort across a race so energy lasts the full distance without fading.
Facilities
- Athletics trackAn oval multi-lane running track, usually 400 metres per lap, used for sprints, distance running and relays.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Fitness studioAn open indoor room used for instructor-led group fitness classes such as yoga, aerobics and indoor cycling.
Recommendations
- Recommended for “Improve coordination”A transparent, graph-based set of recommendations for the goal “Improve coordination” — sports, qualities, a learning path and first steps, each shown with the reason it’s recommended.
- Recommended for “Improve reaction speed”A transparent, graph-based set of recommendations for the goal “Improve reaction speed” — sports, qualities, a learning path and first steps, each shown with the reason it’s recommended.
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- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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