Use This Double Jab Technique To Manage Distance And Land More Effective Strikes With Daniel Woirin
The jab is one of the most commonly used punches in most striking disciplines. It requires the shortest distance, can be used to cause damage, or as a way to get into the pocket to land additional strikes. With that being said, making sure you have good technique behind the jab is of the utmost importance.
The one thing you have to account for is what your opponent is going to do when you throw a jab. More often than not, it is going to cause him to step back. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it allows you to move forward to continue on with your combination, but it can make things more difficult.
A great option to keep occupying that space that your opponent makes when stepping back is the double jab. Taking a quick step with each jab allows you to close distance quickly and stay within range to keep striking. As you start to get good at this, you can start being super creative with your combinations and how you use that space.
In this video, Daniel Woirin demonstrates the technique behind the double jab and all the options it brings to the table. Check it out below!
The Technique
You see this a lot in MMA but also in other martial arts, but when a fighter throws a jab his opponent takes a step back. This can make following up on the jab difficult. If you want to throw your jab and then follow with a right leg kick, oftentimes either you opponent has moved back enough to be completely out of your range, or you end up kicking him with your foot instead of you shin which can cause you damage.
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Successful fighting has so much to do with proper distance management. Everyone's ranges are going to be different depending on your size and quickness, but you have to figure out your own range. The jab is so useful for so many reasons, but one of the main problems that comes along with it is how your opponent moves back and out of your range.
When it comes to footwork and punching, a general rule especially for jabs is that you should take a step with your front foot while you are punching, and your foot should hit the ground right at the end of your punch. This helps both with the momentum of the punch and making sure you are moving forward to continue on with a combination.
This is why a quick double jab can work so well. By taking a step for each jab, you are taking two quick steps into the pocket as your opponent is moving backwards. Chances are you are going to be able to move forward more quickly, so this puts you at a good range to put a right leg kick at the end of those 2 jabs, or some more solid punches.
If you look at traditional boxing technique, after you throw a punch that arm usually comes all the way back to your head before you throw another one. This helps you to reload the punch to make sure it has maximum power. You are not going to do this as you throw this double jab. The point of this technique is to be quick and manage distance, which would be hard to do if you completely reload for that second jab.
The goal is not necessarily for both of these punches to be power punches either. Maybe your first punch is just a way for you to get in the pocket and the second jab has the power. Or perhaps it's the other way around and you use that second jab not to actually try and hit your opponent with, but as a way to add another quick step forward to finish with a powerful leg kick.
You can even start changing levels to give your opponent even more to worry about. First jab high to the head, second jab low to the body, and then finish with a leg kick. Those are 3 consecutive strikes at 3 different levels, which is extremely hard for your opponent to defend.
This technique is so versatile and you should really play around with it and come up with some of your favorite options. In doing so remember that it is not always about the power of the punch, but what all can this technique set up for you. Find the options that best suit your game and get creative with it!
About Daniel Woirin
Daniel Woirin is a Muay Thai coach with over 40 years of experience in the game. He has trained some of the highest level athletes in the UFC such as Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson and he has been a part of some of the biggest fights in UFC history. He has coached all over the word including Brazil, Europe, and the US, and has served as the striking coach at world renowned gyms such as Team Quest and Black House.
About Daniel’s Instructional
Daniel has devoted this instructional to the fundamentals of striking for MMA. Included you will find techniques such as countering with the left hook, faking takedown to strike, slip to strike, clinch defense against the wall, and so much more!
Daniel is a legend when it comes to striking coaches. He has been a part of this art form for the majority of his life, and has trained some of the best athletes in the game. Bring your overall striking and Muay Thai skills to the elite level, check out his instructional here!