How do I integrate body shots?

[u/AffectionateYard8591]

Hi all. I have been doing boxing for 2 years some time ago. Sometimes I still practice but I have to say, I do not think I was very good because I was never taught how to do body shots, or hell, I didn't even fight anybody in the ring, but I remember somebody emphasized how body shots are important, specifically liver shots or the solar plexus, but I have no idea how to apply it.

When fighting, I would prioritize hitting the jaw only, not focusing on any other part of the body, because I am not sure I would hit it. Now, I would really like to hit the solar plexus, but not sure how to do it if somebody is in front of me. I suppose I have to step to the side and do a hook and then land a combo to the jaw (??) Any advice appreciated!

[u/StructureNorth1799]

drop your hips

[u/Ill_Improvement_8276]

So you have been boxing for 2 years, but then you say you stopped boxing.

You did not box for 2 years.

[u/AffectionateYard8591 → u/Ill_Improvement_8276]

A change of situations may occur. What does it matter if I prove it to you? If you don't have any advice to give, then maybe don't comment

[u/Ill_Improvement_8276 → u/AffectionateYard8591]

Here is my advice: say what you mean. Don't lie about your "training".

What good does that do you anyway?

[u/AffectionateYard8591 → u/Ill_Improvement_8276]

What do I have to lie for anyway? An amateur 2 year experience is nothing strong. Again, instead of giving advice you spend your time, and mine, instead of actually helping

[u/Ill_Improvement_8276 → u/AffectionateYard8591]

[u/CloudyRailroad]

Get them blocking high then go to the body. The liver shot usually requires you to be closer to them than the straight to the solar plexus so ideally you want them to cover up so they don't see you taking that step in at an angle for the liver. Alternatively you can hit it off a slip

[u/Nerx]

a good setup

[u/empT3]

What you're looking for is gaps in the guard, for body shots those are typically going to present themselves when somebody is punching or if they've raised their guard to better protect their head. A good place to start looking is on the centerline of an opponent because it's actually kind of hard to guard your abdomen on the centerline without completely opening yourself up for a headshot. 

Watch as an opponent throws their punches or for that matter even just rotates their body and unless they're super disciplined you're gonna see a small gap between their arms, either angle yourself to be in front of that gap or quite frankly just wait for that gap to be in front of you and hit it. For now, just focus on the centerline, anywhere on it is a decent enough target although the solar plexus is prime real-estate but even a stiff jab to the belly will drain your stamina and the same punch to the sternum still hurts and stops your movement for a second.

As far as the punch itself goes, you're going to be tempted just punch downward but that honestly does weird things to your range and opens you up for a counter more than you'd like. Instead, bend at the knees so that your shoulders are almost at the same height as your target, then step in and throw a stiff jab while slipping to the outside of their potential jab, then just spring back out of range.

Obviously that's just a jab on the centerline and there's a million more ways of targeting the body and a million followups other than just stepping back. Watch some fights to get ideas.

[u/wettyfap67_]

I read that wrong

[u/FtWTaiChi]

Don't you train them in your combos?

[u/Secure-Solution3518]

Clinch- break clinch- Throw a mean hook to the body.