any punch<\/em> involves rotation of the shoulders and hips. This is especially true for the hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTry getting power behind a hook without turning your shoulders and you\u2019ll see what I mean. The most you could hope for is to piss your opponent off with a happy slap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hooks can be used at both long and short distances and can target the body or head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Range Hooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Short range hooks are easier to learn. Your arm is bent 90\u00b0-120\u00b0 so that it looks like the letter L. It\u2019s kept rigidly in that position and thrown horizontally at chin level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the power comes from rotating your hips and shoulders and spinning on the ball of your front foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long Range Hooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adding long range hooks to your punching arsenal will create new openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long range hooks are similar to throwing a jab or cross, however, you will come in ever so slightly from the side, and your hand will be rotated so that your thumb is facing up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The angle in between forearm and bicep should be around 150\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Body Hooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Body hooks should target the ribs, sternum, stomach, and liver for maximum effect. The aim is to knock the wind out of your opponent, break a rib, or cause internal bleeding or bruising so that he\u2019s unable to continue the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this sounds inhumane, know that your opponent is trying to do the same thing to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s kill or be killed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGood fighters throw combinations that change levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, throwing a jab causes your opponent to block which leaves his stomach exposed for a body hook. You deliver the punch with sickening power that knocks the wind out of your opponent who instinctively drops his guard to cradle his pain-stricken torso. You finish your combination with a cross to his unguarded chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lights out. Show\u2019s over. Everyone go home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Throw a Hook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The steps below are for a short range hook to the head. Long range hooks are similar, but the angle between bicep and forearm is more obtuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- While in close combat range, drop your hooking arm very slightly and lean into to that side so that your weight is on the side you are going to throw the punch with.<\/li>
- Bend your arm so that it is at 90\u00b0 at the elbow. Keep your arm locked in this position throughout the punch. The wrist should be straight.<\/li>
- Rotate your shoulders and hips while keeping your arm in the hook position. You should be on the ball of your foot on the same side the punch is thrown as you spin i.e. if you throw a right hook, you should be on the ball of your back foot.<\/li>
- Put some weight behind your shot by leaning onto your lead foot slightly. You should have about 70% of your body weight on the front foot that is pivoting (for left hooks).<\/li>
- If you\u2019re throwing a hook to the head, keep your arm in line with your chin while moving through the same horizontal plane. Hooks to the body are slightly different and are almost a combination of a hook and an uppercut.<\/li>
- Return your arm back to guard as soon as you\u2019ve executed the punch.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Uppercut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Uppercuts add another dimension to your punching game and allow you to work different angles that surprise your opponent. Not in a nice way, but in a that-will-teach-you-to-duck-your-head kinda way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to hooks, uppercuts can be thrown from both short and long range and can target both the head and body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short uppercuts to the head are the easiest to learn. If you\u2019re new to boxing, then definitely start with these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Close range hooks and uppercuts are ideal when you\u2019re in close proximity and can\u2019t pop off with a jab or cross. They easily slip through your opponents guard, and unless they have excellent fighting reflexes<\/a>, they won\u2019t see the punch coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUppercuts should be aimed at the chin and drive your opponent\u2019s chin to the back of the skull. Uppercuts to the body should be delivered right below the rib cage and push the bone in and up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Longer range hooks are harder to master but are extremely effective. At long ranges, your opponent is likely to suspect the jab or cross, however, if you maintain distance but mix up your combinations with long-range hooks and uppercuts, you will catch your opponent off-guard. Long range hooks usually target the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n