The HOOK
The Hook is the most difficult punch to throw properly.
So it is pertinent that you perfect the jab and right hand with the footwork for both before starting the hook.
Unlike the other punches, the hook is a bent-arm punch. The power of this punch is generated by body torque and turning the punch over. In order to perfect this punch, try to master each movement one step at a time.
In your proper stance your weight should be equally distributed between your feet. Start by shifting your weight to your left leg (this will be the same as if you just threw a right hand) then rotate your hips and upper torso moving it to your right. Your right foot becomes your foundation as you pivot on the ball of your left foot driving your left knee across the front of your body. You will notice that this movement causes your arms to move along with it. Throw the punch as if you are hitting your opponent with your shoulder. If throwm properly it will put you back in good position to throw the right hand.
Try this move again with a slight variation. Shift your weight to the left foot. Pivot on the ball of you left foot until your toes point toward your right foot. Immediately, snap your left arm down raising your elbow up into a ninety-degree angle. Your left shoulder should stop at a midpoint in front of you. do not turn your back to your opponent.
This is called a lateral or outside punch and will open up your straight punches. The power of the hook comes from the momentum of your body rotation and weight transfer. At this point, the left side of your torso should be in line with the direction of your punch.
Keys
a) A close range blow.
b) Usually most effective when following the straight right.
c) Punches footwork begins with proper knee bend dipping you to the left ( loads the punch). Then on the ball off your left foot rotating the heel out driving the left knee across the front of your body. This rotation begins the left hip rotation driving it across the front also.
d) The hip rotation starts the left shoulder motion rotating across the front of your body.
e) The arm part of the punch is thrown just after starting the body rotation.
f) Dipping the left shoulder you the raise your left elbow up as you drop your left hand turning it palm down just in front of the shoulder.
g) Your arm should be bent 90 degrees, palm down and parallel to the floor.
h) Knees should be bent.
i) Weight transfers from over the left leg to the right leg rotating your body. Think of punching with your shoulder.
j) If the punch is thrown further out than 90 degrees keep yourthumb turned slightly out.
k) The right hand should held high keeping your elbow in.
l) When thrown to the body dip your body staying tight, hands up elbows in with your chin down. Body motion is the same as above but turn palm slightly up 45 degrees and elbow can be dropped slightly (explode with legs).
m) Force of the blow should be across and up.
n) Excellent and damaging counter for the advanced boxer against an opposite-handed opponents jab.
Drills
1) Start by practicing in front of the mirror throwing it as an arm punch, concentrating on bring the elbow up and rotating the hand down.
2) The from a proper stance practice the slight dipping of the shoulder, transfering your weight left and bending the knees. Adding the rotation of the left foot, hips, and shoulder driving the knee across the front your body to the right. Now transfer your weight back left with the proper footwork and body mechanics of the righthand just using your body no arms, no punches. Continue this slowly for one round.
3) Now add the punch to the foot work and body rotation in front of the mirror or your coach.
4) Now you can go to the heavybag do the full movement but do not hit the bag with your hand use your elbow. This will help you develop the proper raising of the elbow while getting the full body rotation. start slowly, practice technique.
5) Now you can go back to the mirror and put the hook together throwing the punches righthand left hook.
Fighters with great hooks. "Smokin" Joe Frazier, Jack Dempsey, Ricky Hatton (the body shot).
The "Hitman" working the hook to the body.
The results of Henry Coopers infamous Left Hook
