The lead hook

On today’s lesson of perfect execution, we are going to learn the correct way to throw the lead hook, the prettiest punch in boxing.
The lead hook has been called the prettiest punch in boxing due to its precision and technicality. It is the closest power punch to your opponent in mid-close range. A well-placed hook to the chin, kidneys or livers can instantly knockout your opponent.
Despite being precise, technically sound and the closest and easiest power punch to land, the lead hook is also a hard punch to throw correctly and it essential to learn the correct way to execute it.

Characteristics of the lead hook

A perfectly executed lead hook is clean, sharp, fast and with a quick snap.
The lead hook is a power punch, and because of how it connects with the side of the jaw it is devastating; if it connects properly, the head will snap back causing the knockout.
This punch is useful against an opponent with a high guard and when you are fighting on the inside. When you are on the inside, you rely on a lot of head movement and hooks/uppercuts to the body and head because you may not have enough room to throw powerful straight rights or jabs.

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Execution of the lead hook

From your regular fighting stance:

1. Bend slightly your waist and knees as your drop your left hand forward and to the left a little, this will add power to the punch.
2. Bend Your Arm at a 90 Degrees Angle as your shoulder will protect your chin.
3. Rotate your body to the right (orthodox fighter) as you are throwing the punch.
4. While rotating step the rear heel down while pivoting on the lead foot, the power of the punch comes from this shift of weight onto the backfoot.
5. Tighten your fist as it connects into your opponent.
6. Proper positioning of the fist: there is some discussion in boxing about the position of your fist. I’ve been taught to keep the palm down, but other fighters throw the hook with the palm pointing towards them. My advice is to try throwing it from different distances, with different orientations of the palm, and after some experimentation choose what you find most comfortable.
7. When you finish the left hook, your head, lead fist, body, and feet should all be facing to the right (orthodox fighter).
8. Come back to your fighting stance by reversing the movement.

Key points to remember

When you are learning the lead hook don’t forget to:

• Keep your guard up; your rear hand up guarding your chin with your elbow tucked in to protect your body.
• Don’t swing the punch all the way through, stop the punch before it over-rotates so you don’t get off balance and countered.
• Don’t load up the punch, throw it right from your guard otherwise your opponent will be able to read it and counter/defend it.
• Stay relaxed, the hook will come out much quicker.
• Exhale after each punch.
• Always and always be in balance, if you are not you have done something wrong.

All of the power, like the other punches, comes from the rotation of your hip. When throwing the lead hook remember that your weight must not be on your front foot. This is a big error for two main reasons. Firstly because in doing so, you take the power off from your punch. Secondly, you end up leading with your head and this leaves you close to your opponent and exposed to his counter punches.
The power of the left hook lies in the transfer of weight to the back foot. You need to understand this and to practice it a lot; focus on transferring your weight on the back foot by stepping your rear heel down while pivoting on your lead foot.

Mastering the lead hook

The lead hook is a difficult punch to master, if not the hardest punch you can throw. Hence it is essential for every fighter to master it.
Mastering the lead hook will allow you to cause damage, distract your opponent, and open him up for other punches and combinations.
Like all the other punches in boxing you have to train it consistently, but especially when you start learning the lead hook focus on the correct technique and do not worry about its speed or power, they will come with correct form and practice.
Some of the greatest boxers have built an entire career off the left hook, so take all the time needed to know when and how to throw it!

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sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

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