Bodyshots in kickboxing

**Alasaurus** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 12:16pm

Good afternoon all!

I got knocked out during sparring last Thursday when I attempted
a right cross style body shot on my opponent. I went for it by lowering
my level and throwing at his solar plexus, he countered perfectly with
a Thai roundhouse that caught me perfectly in the face (he kicked with his
left leg, I got nailed by his shin). I was out for a few seconds and cloudy for at least 15 minutes after. I like body shots, but I seem to leave my face and head wide open when I go after them.

Any recommendations for going for either close in or longer range bodyshots
in a kickboxing environment? The style I train in is Muay Thai (same school
as the BJJ course I am attending).

Thank you! Oh, the shiner I am sporting looks pretty good...

**Lights Out** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 12:49pm

Lowering the head is a no-no in MT, you're setting yourself up for a knee to the face. Maybe that's why you don't see many long distance bodyshots in MT.

You have to learn to cover yourself with the left arm when throwing the cross. This is one of the most difficult things in striking sports, since everybody tends to "open up" when commiting to a right (or left if you're in southpaw stance) power punch.

Practice, practice and practice.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 1:26pm

why did you do a cross instead of a hook? close the gap and fight short to the body, or kick to it.

**CanucKyokushin** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 1:44pm

What JC said.

Also have you considered a combo?Such as hitting him hard that puts him of kilter so you can go in to do a body shot.

**feedback** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 2:03pm

A right hook? I'd recommend against ever leading with a right hook, it's the punch that will leave you most open.

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 2:09pm

Well, leading with a leading cross to the body didn't seem to do him any good.

I can't just answer with "learn to fight"

**Neildo** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 2:10pm

OMG feedback, that's one hardcore old-school avatar you're rockin' there.

RE: the OP, the above posters have combo'd the correct for the KO.

**feedback** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 3:08pm

Originally Posted by JohnnyCache

Well, leading with a leading cross to the body didn't seem to do him any good.

I can't just answer with "learn to fight"

Yeah, but I think the key thing here is that he got whacked because of bad timing and lack of experience. He'd probably try and throw a right hook from way outside range like he did the cross and end up :5propelle .

Advice: Work on your speed, timing, and stop being bad at kickboxing.

Neildo: Devastatin' Dave was awesome... Zip Zap Rap? Oily little-richard hair? Hot pink clothes? EXCELLENT

**Judah Maccabee** · Posted On: 5/13/2006 3:36pm

Straight punches to the body are not a good technique, excepting maybe for a straight jab preceded by a feint/actual jab to the face. Any time I've ever been really whalloped with a body shot was a hook. Particularly lead hooks.

The advice I've seen says that if you can hit a guy with a right hook, there's probably a better punch you can throw at him.