This is by far the hardest punch to put force on for me. But this is one punch I love to throw whenever we spar because this is a punch that surprises everyone. Im planning to make this my bread and butter.
Just a matter of practice and perserverence and learning proper technique. My left hook used to suck, it lacked power and speed and never felt right when I threw it. I always relied on my right hand as my power punch, but the left hook is now my favourite punch.
my best punch is also my left hook, it is also my fastest punch, i have been practicing on the heavy bag with double left hooks, triples, left hook to the body left hook to the face and other combination, when ever i spar someone new they tell me my left hook is faster than my jab.
Pivot with your lead foot hard, exaggerate it in while you are practicing so you get the muscle memory for it.
Technique is of paramount importance. Should vary slightly throwing the left-hook from midrange or inside also. Once you have the fundamental technique down pat keep practising and don't be afraid to "tweak" the technique to suit your punching mechanics. There was a very good thread on "the left hook" on this forum awhile back which explained the alternative ways of executing this punch, even though fundamentally there is no variation. E.g., an explosive straightening of the front knee upon impact which may not work for everyone. I've been trying to effectively get myself to throw the left-hook off of my jab, but I just can't perform it effectively! So much easier to hook off of my right cross. I guess I'll be going back to my Joe Louis tapes to see how he does it so well
