Become Fighter
How to punch to the body
Change levels with your legs and punch to the body without bending at the waist.
Body punches target the ribs and stomach. They slow the opponent, lower the guard and open the head. To reach the body, you lower your whole stance by bending the knees.
Never bend at the waist. Folding forward puts your head low and in front of your hips, which is dangerous and unbalanced. The legs do the work, and the back stays straight.
Key points
- Change level with the knees. Keep the back straight and the head over the hips.
- Keep the same punch mechanics as to the head, only lower.
- Keep your chin tucked and the other hand on your cheek.
- Rise back to your normal height as you finish.
- Do not stay low. Change level, punch, then return up.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Bending at the waist to reach the body. Bend the knees and sink your hips. The back stays straight and the head above the hips.
- Dropping the guard when going low. Keep the non-punching hand on your cheek, every rep.
- Staying low after the punch. Return to normal height as the hand returns to guard.
- Looking down at the target. Keep your eyes level on the opponent, even when you are low.
Combinations that use it
- 1b-2: Jab to the body, Cross
- 1-2b: Jab, Cross to the body
- 1-2-3b: Jab, Cross, Lead hook to the body
- 3b-3: Lead hook to the body, Lead hook
Related techniques
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Building your boxing module of Boxing fundamentals.
Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.
More from Building your boxing
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.