This is a basic beginner drill for the liver shot. It can be used for all combat sports and, most importantly, for self-defence. The key thing to look at in this video lesson is the options you have when you move offline, compared with staying online, and how much safer you are when you are offline.

It is for beginners in boxing, kickboxing and self-defence, and for more experienced people who want a simple drill to build on.

Why the Liver Shot

The liver sits on the right side of the body, under the lower ribs. A good shot there can stop someone in their tracks, even a big and fit person, and it is a target that is often left open when someone attacks with their right hand. That makes it a valuable target in sport and in self-defence.

Online Versus Offline

Being online means standing directly in front of your opponent, on their centre line. That is where all their weapons are aimed. Moving offline means stepping off that line to an angle.

When you move offline:

  • Their attack is more likely to miss
  • They have to turn to face you before they can hit you again
  • The liver and other targets open up for you
  • You are in a far safer position

When you stay online, you have fewer options and you are in more danger. The drill makes that difference obvious.

Building On the Basic Drill

This is a basic drill on purpose. It is up to you how you start it and how you finish it. You might start from a different attack, add a defence, or follow the liver shot with other strikes or a way out. Keep the core of the drill the same: move offline, then strike.

Train It With Control

Body shots can do real damage, and the liver shot in particular can drop someone in a moment. Train it with control and a cooperative partner, at low power, with a body protector if you have one. Speed and accuracy come first. Power can be added on the bag.

In self-defence, the aim is to get safe, using no more than reasonable force for the situation.

How to Practise

With a partner, slowly: they attack, you move offline and touch the target. Do it on both sides. When it is smooth, add a little speed. On the heavy bag, practise the step and the shot together until they become one movement.

Take It Further

Body shots, footwork and angles are all covered in the Learn To Box Online Course. If you want more power behind the shot, take a look at Power Black.