Thread: Taller guys working the body?

I have a question about taller, fighter and their punch arsenal. Usually taller boxers make good use of longer range punches, like the Jab and the Cross. The might occasionally throw a good Left Head Hook, either as a part of a combination (like 1-2-3: Jab, Cross, Left Hook), or as a well placed counter shot when the opponent moves in too close. They even might incorporate uppercuts, usually the Right Uppercut, when opponents get in too close.

However, I want to know whether it is wise for taller boxers who tend to be taller to throw body shots. I personally think it is risky business, you're lowering yourself down right into the shorter opponent's range to throw either a straight punch (like a Body Jab or Body Cross), or a hook (most often the Left Body Hook, or Left Shovel Hook). I think that it leaves you wide open to be countered, especially considering that your opponent's reach might be shorter than your own.

When I used to spar, I was always the taller opponent, so I usually kept my distance, and threw quick, fast pace combination (like the Jab-Cross, Jab-Jab-Cross, and the Jab-Cross-Left Head Hook-Cross). I liked shelling up so the shorter opponent would come in and hammer my body with hooks, and when he opened his face up, I would pop a Right Uppercut through his guard and finish with a Left Head Hook, Cross.

However, I never really managed to land a good Left Body Hook. Whenever I tried to move inside to throw a Left Body Hook, or I would get countered by a Jab or a Cross. I like the double Left Hook (Left Body Hook followed by the Left Head Hook), but was never able to pull it off..

So my question in a sense is two part: first, do you think it is smart for taller opponents to throw to the body, especially considering that the shorter opponents are quicker and can counter AND if you were a taller opponent and you were trying to throw a Left Hook to the Body, or double up the Left Hook, how would you pull that off? Thanks.

Brother, im in the same situation as you, also is it just me or is it rare for us taller fighters to execute a right hook?

I would really like to hear more feedback from people of saddo on your post, because its a really good point you're making.

Originally Posted by BoxingDude66

I have a question about taller, fighter and their punch arsenal. Usually taller boxers make good use of longer range punches, like the Jab and the Cross. The might occasionally throw a good Left Head Hook, either as a part of a combination (like 1-2-3: Jab, Cross, Left Hook), or as a well placed counter shot when the opponent moves in too close. They even might incorporate uppercuts, usually the Right Uppercut, when opponents get in too close.

However, I want to know whether it is wise for taller boxers who tend to be taller to throw body shots. I personally think it is risky business, you're lowering yourself down right into the shorter opponent's range to throw either a straight punch (like a Body Jab or Body Cross), or a hook (most often the Left Body Hook, or Left Shovel Hook). I think that it leaves you wide open to be countered, especially considering that your opponent's reach might be shorter than your own.

When I used to spar, I was always the taller opponent, so I usually kept my distance, and threw quick, fast pace combination (like the Jab-Cross, Jab-Jab-Cross, and the Jab-Cross-Left Head Hook-Cross). I liked shelling up so the shorter opponent would come in and hammer my body with hooks, and when he opened his face up, I would pop a Right Uppercut through his guard and finish with a Left Head Hook, Cross.

However, I never really managed to land a good Left Body Hook. Whenever I tried to move inside to throw a Left Body Hook, or I would get countered by a Jab or a Cross. I like the double Left Hook (Left Body Hook followed by the Left Head Hook), but was never able to pull it off..

So my question in a sense is two part: first, do you think it is smart for taller opponents to throw to the body, especially considering that the shorter opponents are quicker and can counter AND if you were a taller opponent and you were trying to throw a Left Hook to the Body, or double up the Left Hook, how would you pull that off? Thanks.

Okay. I am a tall fighter, who currently is working on primarily body punches. That being, when in close, or as part of combinations, using the body shot.

Part of the problem I see in the highlighted, is assuming that the taller guy is slower. Often the taller fighter is equal to, if not faster. Height doesn't necessarily = slower. Much as punch speed changes as we move up and through the weight classes, and ultimately gets slower, it doesn't mean within that same weight class height is really a determining factor for it.

While it is true that a taller person has a different arsenal of possibilities, being able to work from the outside, keeping his opponent at range, one should not discount things like body punches. The reason largely, is whether a tall fighter likes it or not, if he ends up in a situation where a smart shorter fighter is elimilating that range and closing that distance, he needs to be prepared for it. You need to have an answer.

One of those answers is being able to throw effective body punches when in close. To be able to fight off that opponents range closing ability, by landing a body punch, maybe say in a combination that finishes with a head shot and has the taller opponent moving back out to re-establish the range. To get back our edge.

Part of the how to, is my opinion, and something I am working on currently, being able to throw that combinationm and be moving out at the same time. We often equate combinations and punches with moving forward for effectiveness, and this is often correct, but also, it can be used to stun or hurt an opponent enough to move back out. Not like we can effectively throw head shots when in real tight, can we. So we better have an answer for that. And one of those answers is being able to throw that left and right hook to the body from in close. Followed up by head shots in part of a combination while moving out, can and will help to regain the range and advantage we enjoy and try to exploit with height.

That's my 2cents anyway. Hope it makes sense.