Jab Parry Jab Drill Boxing Drill to Improve your RAT
Our goal should almost always be to terminate the fight using Rapid Assault Tactics but we still need an entry into our RAT.
If the fight starts on the outside in kickboxing or lunging range then a classic boxing counter could be just what the doctor ordered.
Enter the Jab > Parry > Jab boxing drill.
Jab > Parry > Jab Boxing Drill Set Up
Start with you and your partner both in the same lead. Either right for right (southpaw) or left for left (orthodox). Be just far enough away from each other that you could land a jab if you were to slightly lean towards them.
Now alternate taking turns where one partner jabs at the face and the other partner parries the punch. Now the other partner throws a jab while the previous one parries.
Just keep going back and forth working slowly until you start getting the hang of this drill.
Progressing the Jab Parry Jab Boxing Drill
Speed
Once you get the hang of the Jab > Parry > Jab boxing drill you can start by trying to go faster without making too many mistakes.
Footwork
Next you can add in some footwork. Start off by simply stepping (or hopping) forward as you jab and backwards as you parry to help avoid your partner’s jab while you do you parry at the same time.
You can then start using circling footwork. I typically recommend circling to your partner’s closest outside or put another way; move away from their back hand.
This is a smart tactic that gets you away from any follow up punches someone may have.
Work in a Sequence of 3s
This will really add a cognitive challenge to the drill which sports science / psychology demonstrates will take your skills to the next level.
It works like this… Partner A jabs while Parter B parries (that’s 1). Now Partner B jabs while Partner A parries (that’s 2), and finally Partner A jabs while Partner B parries (that is the 3rd and final jab of this sequence).
Now Partner B starts the 3 jab sequence. Make sense?
There are always 3 jabs (and 3 parries) before the sequence ends.
The time that you put between the stop and start of the 3-hit sequences is up to you. At first it will be a little longer but as you get good it won’t seem like there is hardly any time between the sequences.
Now if this seems easy just try it. You will notice both of you doing a 4th jab at the end of a 3-hit sequence. Or going out of turn.
Like I said it adds a cognitive challenge that forces you to be very mindful. Eventually you just get so good that you autopilot a counter strike back.
Change Your Rhythm
Now you are really in for a challenge.
Instead of a predictable rhythm sometimes counter jab immediately. Other times take a half a second to pause before you fire back your counter jab.
This change of rhythm will throw off your partner making your jabs less predictable to parry and easier to land.
Which by the way you should be pulling your punches and not really smashing a jab into your partner’s face. Although on occasion it is nice to put on the boxing gloves and lightly touch. That way you can see if your parry is as good as you think it is. Or if your jab is as good as you think it is.
Having a broken or unpredictable rhythm is a hallmark of a highly skilled fighter. Beginners have no rhythm but also have no control over it. Intermediates have a predictable rhythm. Advanced fighters have complete control over their rhythm and can change it at a moment’s notice.
How to Learn Broken Rhythm
Get a metronome and set it to 60 beats per second. Now hit on the beat every time you here the cue. That is a consistent rhythm.
Now every so often try to hit between the beats and then get back on rhythm as quickly as possible. This teaches you a broken rhythm so you can hit on half-beats which will utterly destroy people when you learn to attack on half-beats.
It just makes you so gosh dang unpredictable and they can’t keep up.
Train Solo with a Mirror
Want to get some extra reps in at home so you can advance past your training partners at the gym? You selfish dirty person…
Ok stand facing a mirror and do the drill with yourself.
Simply jab at your own face and then parry your own jab that you see coming at your face.
Follow the same progressions that you would do with a partner.
It is probably easiest to learn how to work in 3s and broken rhythms this way.
Integrate Jab Parry Jab into Your RAT
Last but certainly not least we must integrate this drill into our Rapid Assault Tactics.
Your partner fires a jab at your face > you parry it and instantly counter with an eye jab, palm jab, or fist jab. Immediately follow that up with a straight blast down their centerline to a Thai clench where you ultimately deliver knees, elbows, headbutts, etc. to terminate the fight.
Summary
Remember drills are ultimately there to make you better at the RAT so they must always have application.
This drill will up your street boxing game to the next level and is probably the single most important counter-punching drill I have ever done.
Until next time,
Brian
