Skip to main content
Boxing News
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Schedule
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Fight Schedule
  • Current Champions
  • Magazine

Follow us

  • YouTube YouTube
  • Instagram Instagram
  • Twitter / X Twitter
  • Facebook Facebook

© 2013—2026 Boxing News

Magazine

Darren Barker’s boxing masterclass (Part I): The Jab

Former world champion Darren Barker guides us through the essentials of the jab

John Dennen

24th March, 2015

Darren Barker’s boxing masterclass (Part I): The Jab

The jab to the head
This can be used as a range-finder and everything comes off the jab

1. Start in your basic stance, 
on the balls 
of your feet. Keep your other hand (my right) up, covering your chin.
2. You don’t have to step forward but 
I used to, front foot first then back foot just after, adding weight to 
the shot.
3. Keep the shot tight to your body, extend the lead arm and twist the wrist at the point of impact
4. Bring the left arm back in a straight trajectory to your chin; don’t let it drop down then bring it up.

The jab to the body
This puts you closer to the danger zone but it’s good to vary your lead

1. Start in your basic stance, 
on the balls 
of your feet. Keep your other hand (my right) up, covering your chin.
2. I tended to do it all in 
one motion. Step forward – front foot first – 
as you ‘snake’ your upper-body down and forward, then throw the shot.
3. Bring the left arm back in a straight trajectory to your chin as you stand back upright, knees slightly bent, in your original stance.

The double jab
This can be effective in dictating the pace and range where the fight is waged

1. Start in your basic stance, 
on the balls 
of your feet. Keep your other hand (my right) up, covering your chin.
2. You don’t have to step forward but 
I used to, front foot first then back foot just after, adding weight to 
the shot.
3. Don’t bring your hand all the way back to your chin, let it stay a few inches forward
4. Take a second step, forward or to the side as you throw the second jab. You’ll likely miss if you throw from the same position, in the same direction, twice.

Download the February 12 issue from the Boxing News app for the step by step picture guide

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FIGHTING FIT ARTICLES

More stories

Terence Crawford called out once again for ‘the biggest fight in boxing’: “We need it”

16 Oct, 2026

Tim Tszyu confirms next opponent is world champion who troubled Canelo: “This is it”

16 Oct, 2026
Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney

Keith Thurman sums up Devin Haney’s chances of beating Shakur Stevenson at 145lb catchweight fight

15 Oct, 2026
Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder offered new opponent for Fury vs Joshua card: “I said yes”

15 Oct, 2026
Boxing News

Since 1909

Editorial

  • News
  • Live Coverage
  • Features
  • BN Investigates
  • Opinion
  • Magazine

Boxing

  • Upcoming Fight Schedule
  • Current Boxing Champions

Company

  • About Boxing News
  • Contact us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Follow us

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google News
Copyright 2013—2026 Boxing News