Jab to Body

A jab specifically targeted at the solar plexus or upper abdomen. Distinct from the body jab in that the jab-to-body is usually thrown after a head-jab feint, dropping the opponent's guard. The technique is a signature of Manny Pacquiao's early-career attack and of Bernard Hopkins's pressure boxing. The mechanics require a knee bend and a slight forward lean of the torso (not the hips), and the lead hand snaps horizontally into the target.

Key points

• ▸Always preceded by a head-line feint or a high jab.
• ▸Knee bend creates the level change, not a hunch.
• ▸Aim at the solar plexus, not the stomach.
• ▸Rear hand at temple throughout.
• ▸Return the lead hand to the high guard immediately.

Common mistakes

• ✗No feint — the jab-to-body without a setup is rarely effective above amateur level.
• ✗Hunching the torso forward — opens to a knee or uppercut.
• ✗Forgetting to bend the knees — produces a chest shot instead.
• ✗Following the jab-to-body with another body shot — predictable; switch to head.

Drills

1. Heavy-bag: 3 rounds of head-jab + jab-to-body + cross to head.
2. Mitts: catcher calls "1H-1B-2H" — must land all three in a single combination.
3. Mirror: practise the knee bend without dropping the rear hand.

Related techniques