Help for my jab?

[aku aku]

Hello,

I noticed that my right jab is much stronger and feels more solid than my left jab despite spending much more time working the left. The problem seems to be that my left shoulder comes up and causes a power leak. I've been trying to re-train myself to keep the shoulder down and when I'm able to do that I can feel a definate improvement. It's really slow going though and I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever 'get' it. Are there any drills or exercises that might help?

Thanks.

[HtTKar]

Falling step jab

What you are talking about is a whirling punch. You are using your shoulder to throw the jab. The harder you throw this type of punch the more it will loop out (Haymaker style). Also your shoulders tire easily. A falling step jab uses your entire body to throw the jab. It is a straight shot and powerful enough to KO an opponent.

practice the mechanics behind a falling step jab.

Stand in your orthodox stance with your left-foot-ankle about 18" in front of your right-foot-ankle. Your lead hand is your left. Put your guard up and stand there. Without rocking, raising your hands, or telegraphing in anyway, pick your lead foot up and put it 3' in front of you. The moment your foot hits the ground throw a verticle jab. Your main focus should be hip-heigth, No rocking, and a solid jab thrown from the springing action created by the rear foot. Return to your stance and keep doing this over and over. Then try it on a bag...its a pretty solid shot.

Here's what happens. When you pick your lead foot up and move it out like that, you fall. Gravity does a lot of work for you. But your rear foot ankle also raises. There is a tendon there that will "Spring" once you get the motion down. You are literally using this springing action to put your entire body behind your punch. You can force it to spring by moving your lead foot out so far (~3'). Once you can feel this, the mechanics are the same whether you move your lead foot out 3', 3", or stomp.

All of this is covered in Jack Dempseys "Championship Boxing"
Falling step jab, powerline, etc

[aku aku]

I do all that but there's a power leak in the shoulder, much of the force generated doesn't reach the bag. It's fine with the right hand though so there's something I'm doing different with the left shoulder. I'm having trouble correcting it though.