When most people watch a boxing match, they think the most effective punches are to the head to knock out the opponent and earn the victory. However, boxing coaches teach their students to use a combination of body and head punches for a successful bout. 

Why Body Punches Are Important in Boxing

When executed correctly, body punches can have a devastating effect on the opponent. They can even take the opponent’s breath away, forcing them to the mat and ending the fight.

However, the main goal of body punches isn’t necessarily to end the fight. They set a boxer up for success by wearing the opponent down. Striking the body early and often in a match saps energy from a fighter, which diminishes their stamina in later rounds.

That opens up more opportunities to land a crushing blow when the opponent is sluggish. The loss of stamina also reduces their punching power when they don’t have as much energy after absorbing body blows. Plus, when they lower their arms to protect their body, they open themselves up to a punch to the head.

How to Throw Successful Body Punches

To reach a boxing opponent’s body, never telegraph the punch—looking down at their body before a punch gives them time to deflect and land a powerful counter. Always maintain eye contact with the other fighter.

Mix in head shots with body punches to keep the opponent on their toes. If you become predictable with your attacks, it’s much easier for them to block the blows, and you’ll be at greater risk of being countered.

But don’t just mix up where you’re attacking. You also need to throw a variety of jabs, straights, hooks, and uppercuts to break through the other boxer’s defense. Build up your hand speed to improve the accuracy and power of your body punches.

Finally, never overcommit to a body punch. Maintain balance in your legs, and keep your defenses up. If you try to throw a body punch too hard and let your hands down, your opponent may land a powerful strike to your vulnerable head.

 

If you’re a female boxer looking for a boxing match, contact TM Productions in Honolulu, HI. Tessa Moon is always looking for a challenger. She holds an impressive win record and continues to train under Joel Kim at Palolo Gym. To schedule a fight, call (808) 291-7817, or learn more about Moon’s career online.