Lesson 5 of 11 · 8 min
Hooks
After this lesson: Throw a compact lead hook with the body, not the arm.
Lead handRear handDrag an animation to turn it · tap a cue to jump to it
The hook comes around the side, to the head or the body. It's a short-range punch: the arm stays bent and the turn of your body swings it through. Thrown right, it's one of the most powerful punches in boxing.
From above you can see the arc. Then try the front camera
Animation: red glove is the lead hand, blue glove is the rear hand.
The lead hook, step by step
- Arm bent at about 90°, elbow up so your forearm is level with the floor.
- Pivot on the ball of your lead foot and turn your hips and shoulders. The arm stays locked in shape; the body swings it.
- Fist: thumb up or palm down. Both are taught; keep the wrist straight either way.
- Your rear glove stays on your cheek.
- Keep it short: the fist travels about the width of your shoulders, not a big loop.
- To the body: bend your knees to get down to body level, rather than dropping your hand.
No wind-up
Animation: red glove is the lead hand, blue glove is the rear hand.
The rear hook: same idea, with the rear heel turning
Animation: red glove is the lead hand, blue glove is the rear hand.
The rear hook travels further and leaves you open for longer, so it usually comes after a lead punch has created an opening, not as your first punch.
1-2-3: the cross turns you, loading the lead hook
Animation: red glove is the lead hand, blue glove is the rear hand.
Try it
Hook rounds
- Round 1: lead hooks only, slowly. Check: elbow up, lead foot pivots, rear hand home.
- Round 2: 1-3 and 2-3.
- Round 3: 1-2-3. Finish every combination back in your stance.
3 rounds · 2 min work · 60 s rest. Clear some space and turn the sound on.
Get ready
0:10
Combinations will be called here
Check it