Left hook technique

[HerbM]

The following is not an "argument" but rather a way of seeing and defining these punches -- ultimately, what we call a punch is pretty irrelevant as long as it allows us to discuss it clearly and train it effectively:

My understanding is close to Fran's.

A Hook and an Uppercut are most effectively distinguished by the MECHANICS of how they are thrown, although it is common to characterize them by the "direction".

Many people will say it is an uppercut or 'hookercut' or 'upperhook' if it doesn't travel (almost) horizontally.

However, using the mechanics as the distinguishing factor, a hook is distinguished by the fact that it is performed with the elbow (nearly fixed) and being powered by turning hip and pulling pectorals. An uppercut is distinguished by being powered largely by rising deltoids and straightening of the knees and body. That thing Dempsey calls a shovel hook isn't really an uppercut (to Dempsey) because it uses HIPS primarily.

Does any of this matter? Not much unless we create maxims such as "never X while hooking" and then someone else claims that a punch which SHOULD (or CAN) do 'x' is a hook also.

I was taught that a (traditional) hook moves horizontally, has a fist facing the boxer, elbow as high as the hand.

My coach said the fist should NOT face down for two reasons: 1) avoid breaking the hand on partial misses with the fist and 2) the point Fran made about amateur boxing and avoiding being called for an illegal 'slap'.

Then my coach told me that I would not always be able to get my elbow up so 'correctly' but just to make the attempt, and go for speed and smoothness while accepting that my elbow might still be rising to make the arm horizontal when the hit occurs.

Also, when hitting to the body instead of the head, my hand, arm, and elbow, would need to adjust to "fit the surface" contours of my opponents body and perhaps to get under and behind his guard.

Personally, I think I know something like 11 ways to "throw a hook" -- almost all of them are 'correct' according to SOMEONE, most are wrong according to MY boxing coach.

It may be heretical in boxing, but ultimately we really want to 'lose all technique' and just hit in a powerful, fast, relaxed, balanced, effective manner from any position or any angle.

We train the "classics" because there are infinite ways to do it badly, but sooner or later we come to learn there are good ways (and many bad ways) to alter the mechanics to strike in any (never to be repeated) actual position.

Ok, there at the end my Systema training is coming out. "Just stay relaxed and HEET reely hard."