Throw a Left Hook in Boxing

Now that you have your straight punches down, it is time to learn the queen mother of all knockout punches, the legendary left hook. Boxing great George Foreman could knock boxers out in a matter of seconds, swinging both arms like a lumberjack but with calculated precision. Joe Frazier floored Ali with a left hook which resulted in a rare defeat for the self-proclaimed "greatest." Amateurs often brag of their proficiency with this punch, which takes months to learn and years to perfect.

The left hook is generally favored by shorter and/or power-punching boxers. Most of the power comes from the legs and torso. Also, this punch requires impeccable balance, stability, speed and strength to be effective.

Here's a place to start on your quest to perfect the left hook.

Steps

  1. Stand in your normal boxing stance. Power punchers generally keep their lead (left) foot closer to square with their right than straight punchers.
  2. Do the following simultaneously:
    • Plant your back (right) foot and keep it there. This foot will move when you move forward to deliver the blow.
    • Shift your left foot onto the toe and twist rightward as if you are stamping out a cigarette.
    • Lower your left arm and cock it at a 50 degree angle
    • Twist your torso to the left.
    • Keep your right hand at the chin as a guard.

  3. Then do the following simultaneously:
    • Starting with the legs, unwind your slightly twisted body while twisting your left foot on its toe to the right.
    • Use all of the force you can muster to unwind your torso.
    • Keep your chin down (always) and your head facing forward. Ideally, your head will stay in the same place throughout the duration of the punch.
    • Keep your left arm locked at a 90-degree angle.
  4. Strike your opponent squarely on the chin.
  5. After the point of impact, your energy should be completely expended. Don't twist so much that you fall over. Maintain your balance.
    • Quickly twist back into your normal stance. It will feel fluid and fast. You are very vulnerable to a straight right (a knockout punch) after you have thrown a left hook.



Tips

  • Even more difficult than throwing this punch is knowing when to use it. You must
    • Be in close, so that your opponents straight punches are less of a threat
    • Have enough energy to throw this taxing punch
    • Have already weakened your opponent with body blows or jabs so that they are less of a threat in general and so that they are less likely to see it coming
  • Learn to bob/weave after performing the punch to lessen the chance of getting hit by a straight right afterwards. Make it a habit.
  • The left hook has a setup time. In other words, you can't avoid telegraphing it. You have two options: learn to perform it as fast as possible (study Joe Frazier's left hook technique) or divert the opponents' attention. Often the left hook follows a successful jab because the opponent is worried about the straight right coming (this combination takes a lot of strength and endurance). Shorter, more compact boxers should opt for a combination of both of these techniques.
  • Only use the left hook for a knockout punch or after a successful combination. You will miss almost every time because all your opponent has to do is lean back a few inches.

Warnings

  • If you ever learn this punch well, it is deadly without boxing gloves. Never use it unless your life is in imminent danger. If you land it correctly without gloves, your opponent will wind up in the hospital more often than not.

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