How To Throw Left Hook Properly

ICB · 08-23-2007 01:38 AM

I don't know whats wrong with me but i find it bit awkard and not natural when throwing left hook can you give me any tips i find it bit hard when sparring to throw it aswell i seem to throw it bit slow can you give me some help cheers.

**Trainer Monkey** · 08-23-2007 01:44 AM

Are you loading up your hips right?

**greynotsoold** · 08-23-2007 02:32 AM

It is all in your feet and how you shift your weight. You should start with your right heel off the floor and pointed towards your opponent. Drop it flat on the floor, toe at a right angle to your target. Twist your hip and shoulder as far to the right as possible without moving your left fist. Let the resulting tension whip your left fist to your right shoulder, your left palm facing the floor at to end.
You can also do this by sliding your ight foot to the right (the shorter the move the quicker the punch. The further the move the harder the punch) dropping it flat and proceeding as above. Check out Al Hostak for a better description of this move- he used it to KO Freddie Steele in 1 to win the MW crown in 1938. Also, James Toney vs Robinson and Hernandez (?) the Puerto Rican Cruiser that went 12 with Hearns.

**ThomasTabin** · 08-23-2007 07:29 AM

I think the left hook is a unique punch in boxing. Its not thrown the way a right hand is thrown in that its not a heavy, crushing, weight transfer type of thing the way a right hand is. Its more of a stiff, whipping shot. Thats not to say that youre not moving weight - you are - but you have to whip that weight in. unlike a right hand which is like getting hit with a train.

So adding to what grey posted once in that left hook ready stance to get that whipping motion move with the body so that the hips and shoulder turn BEFORE the arm turns. This delay cause the arm to literally sling with alot of whip like energy. Its not a long delay but just slightly enough so that the arm follows the shoulder as it turns. Some people might disagree with me on that but try for yourself. One thing I'm pretty staunch about though is that I think ALL left hooks should be start with the arm at the hip level (like those old pictures all the old fighters would take with them in that stance with the left hand cocked back and they only had two stances for those pictures) . People like to call it a corkscrew hook or 45 degree hook but its justs the normal way to throw the left hook properly to me. The reason I think this way is because the arm is thrown in such a way that it is coming from out of the body. Its more solid.

ICB · 08-23-2007 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by ThomasTabin

I think the left hook is a unique punch in boxing. Its not thrown the way a right hand is thrown in that its not a heavy, crushing, weight transfer type of thing the way a right hand is. Its more of a stiff, whipping shot. Thats not to say that youre not moving weight - you are - but you have to whip that weight in. unlike a right hand which is like getting hit with a train.

So adding to what grey posted once in that left hook ready stance to get that whipping motion move with the body so that the hips and shoulder turn BEFORE the arm turns. This delay cause the arm to literally sling with alot of whip like energy. Its not a long delay but just slightly enough so that the arm follows the shoulder as it turns. Some people might disagree with me on that but try for yourself. One thing I'm pretty staunch about though is that I think ALL left hooks should be start with the arm at the hip level (like those old pictures all the old fighters would take with them in that stance with the left hand cocked back and they only had two stances for those pictures) . People like to call it a corkscrew hook or 45 degree hook but its justs the normal way to throw the left hook properly to me. The reason I think this way is because the arm is thrown in such a way that it is coming from out of the body. Its more solid.

Good advice

and ccs for the other responses i'll give that a try later funny thing is that when i have my left hand lower like you just said i find it easier to throw a left hook but when im in close it just feels slow the way im throwing it and not very good maybe its because im more of an outside fighter i use good footwork and jabs and right hands and box from the outside but i will let you know my progress in few days im going to be practicing this for hours until i get it right i remember i had same problem with jab ages ago then i kept working on it and i have snap to it and its very good stinging jab now but thanks for the advice fellas.

**Trainer Monkey** · 08-23-2007 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by ICE COLD BOXING

Originally Posted by ThomasTabin

I think the left hook is a unique punch in boxing. Its not thrown the way a right hand is thrown in that its not a heavy, crushing, weight transfer type of thing the way a right hand is. Its more of a stiff, whipping shot. Thats not to say that youre not moving weight - you are - but you have to whip that weight in. unlike a right hand which is like getting hit with a train.

So adding to what grey posted once in that left hook ready stance to get that whipping motion move with the body so that the hips and shoulder turn BEFORE the arm turns. This delay cause the arm to literally sling with alot of whip like energy. Its not a long delay but just slightly enough so that the arm follows the shoulder as it turns. Some people might disagree with me on that but try for yourself. One thing I'm pretty staunch about though is that I think ALL left hooks should be start with the arm at the hip level (like those old pictures all the old fighters would take with them in that stance with the left hand cocked back and they only had two stances for those pictures) . People like to call it a corkscrew hook or 45 degree hook but its justs the normal way to throw the left hook properly to me. The reason I think this way is because the arm is thrown in such a way that it is coming from out of the body. Its more solid.

Good advice

and ccs for the other responses i'll give that a try later funny thing is that when i have my left hand lower like you just said i find it easier to throw a left hook but when im in close it just feels slow the way im throwing it and not very good maybe its because im more of an outside fighter i use good footwork and jabs and right hands and box from the outside but i will let you know my progress in few days im going to be practicing this for hours until i get it right i remember i had same problem with jab ages ago then i kept working on it and i have snap to it and its very good stinging jab now but thanks for the advice fellas.

It sounds like you need to tighten up the shot inside,wouldnt be able to say for sure without seeing you,but thats what it sounds like

**Scrap** · 08-23-2007 09:39 PM

Little Tip when throwing a hook, maximum power on impact comes when the fist is in line with your own chin. Past it you lose it, past your back foot youre not in balance to do anything else.

**Sugar_Shaw** · 08-23-2007 10:52 PM

Try using a heavy bag, use the left hook more than you usualy would, try throwing it from different positions and using it in combo's. Over time it will become more natural.

ICB · 08-24-2007 06:44 AM

Your advice really helped i have now mastered it i was throwing triple left hooks fast and snappy on inside and outside to the body and head bobbing and weaving i was also finishing my combos with my left hook it now finally feels natural when i throw it thanks alot fellas appreciate the help.