Striking
Spot the flaring elbow on a jab
A jab can announce itself before the glove moves far. Boxing coach Fran Sands singles out the lead elbow so you can see the sideways lift that gives a straight punch away.
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Watch the lesson
FIELD GUIDE / EDITORIAL COVERBefore you watch
Identify your lead side. If your left foot leads, follow the left elbow. A southpaw follows the right. Use the lesson to study the arm path from a boxing stance before asking a coach to fit it to your MMA stance.
Watch the first inch
Compare the line of the elbow with the path of the fist as the jab leaves guard. The rest of the arm follows a straight shot. An elbow that swings out first gives your partner an earlier cue even if the glove eventually arrives on line.
A no-contact check
Start slowly in front of a mirror with space around you. Bring the glove all the way home after each jab. Sands uses a nearby wall as a reference. Leave clearance and never punch toward a wall or try to skim it with the arm.