Page 39 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

Basic Punches

Left Hook
The legendary left hook is the most difficult punch to
learn. Unlike the jab and straight right, the left hook has
mysterious nuances that simply take time for most
boxers to discover and assimilate.

The hook is generally misunderstood. Most beginners
think the left hook is some sort of sweeping, round-
house punch thrown and powered by a loopy left arm.
I did, anyway. But it isn’t anything like that.

The hook is an inside power punch. It’s most effective
when you’re close to your opponent.The punch begins
with a weight transfer to your left side. From the guard
position the left elbow is brought up, almost parallel to
the floor,so that the arm forms a sort of hook (hence the
name). At the same time the fist is rotated either palm
down for a very close target or palm-in for targets farther
away.

Here’s the secret.The arm is held in place as described
above, and the punch is delivered by pivoting left foot,
left leg and torso sharply to the right in a powerful, one-
piece torquing action. The arm doesn’t move indepen-
dently of the whole. Like a gate swinging around its
hinged post,this punch is powered by leg,hips,back and
everything else in the barn.When it’s thrown properly,
it’s one of the mighty weapons in boxing and is held in
very high esteem.

When I work the hook, my coach tells me to crush
peanuts with the ball of my left foot as I swing it around
and to think hey buddy, come on over here! as I bring
the punch to completion by tucking it into my chest

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