I need some advice with throwing the lead left hook. I don't know if anyone else finds this one of the hardest punches to throw, but i am slowly getting quicker, more powerful, and more comfortable throwing it. The only problem i have (well i will let you decide if its a problem) is that i have noticed that the general consensus is that as you throw the hook the palm of your had should be facing down, however i can only throw the punch comfortably and with more power if the palm of my hand faces towards my body. Basically instead of the knuckles lining up horizontally, the are vertical (hope this makes sense?) When i actually start getting trained am i going to get told to change this, or is this something that some trainers will let slide. Its just throwing it the way i am throwing it feels so much more natural. All help would be much appreciated
First off, the way that feels more natural to you is the correct way to hook. (thumb at the side of your fist rather than beneath it; or as you say, vertically as opposed to horizontally stacked knuckles) You will hear different things from different boxers and coaches. Depending on the situation you could throw it either way but for routine training no compelling reason exists to not throw it your way and it honestly is the way that would more commonly be called for. (watch pros throwing hooks, far more often than not they do it that way, especially for body hooks...) Secondly, of far greater importance to executing properly and comfortably is what you're doing with your feet.
Thanks for that. I thought it might come down to trainer preference, but i will not try and change what is natural for me... unless made to! Very informative though.
I think some trainers teach the palm down because some guys who have the palm towards them end up slapping in stead of punching
Yeah, that is AFAIK the rationale behind teaching it palm-down, heard that a few times, but to me that just seems lazy. It would be like making teenagers walk around wearing chastity belts instead of giving them condoms and educating them about ***ual health. "Punch in this somewhat awkward manner so you never slap!!" Why not just teach hooking the way that feels natural to everybody and works perfectly well as long as you stress proper form and technique and remind the kids not to slap with it, but turn it over like a real punch? :huh There would be circumstances where palm-down might be more appropriate, depending on your dimensions and your opponent's, the distance, positioning, etc. Palms-sideways to me is the more correct-looking and -feeling way to hook and IMO is the right call in the majority of circumstances...definitely enough of a majority to have it be the way you train. :conf
...and once again, can't stress enough, number one priority in terms of comfort and effective form especially when talking about leading with the left hook - far more important than rotational direction of your fist - is that your anchoring lead step with the left foot be solid, leaving you balanced enough to leverage off it when you pivot on the ball of that foot to generate the hook's power. Make it a good strong first step to get yourself where you want to be without having to lunge (the last thing you want to do especially with a lead hook) while also being careful to avoid overstepping and having to drag your right leg. Remember also to, as with any hook (or punch in general) start and end with your fist at your chin. Don't try 'fattening' the hook just because you're leading off with it. A hook is a hook, whether your offense starts with it or it comes off a jab, RH lead, or as part of a 1-2-3. ...and having said all that, don't waste too much time focusing on being able to lead with a hook. To have the skill in your tool belt is well and fine but you don't want to get in the habit of it. There is a reason most boxers generally set up the hook (aside from the rip downstairs) with other punches instead of the other way around. It functions better as payload than as your set-up punch. Maybe instead of leaving aside lots of time worrying about honing a lead hook, spend that instead on drilling your jab.
Direction of the Thumb in regards to the Hips and Shoulder play a big part in the biomechanics of movement, and balance.
I always threw mine palm facing me and that's how I coach the kids in the boxing club, even though on the coaching courses (uk) they say that only palm facing down will score points. ive tried both ways with the kids and there's definitely more power with the palm towards you. 30 odd years ago when I was boxing a coach from another club came to ours and tried coaching us to throw a 'long range left hook.' this was with the back of your fist facing towards you, there was no power or speed.the coach himself had never boxed and had picked it up on a course.its only recently that they've taken this long range punch out of the coaching courses.
Depends on the distance. The farther your target is the more you want your thumb up, the closer the target the more you want your thumb down. But don't go throwing lead hooks unless you can do it against an experienced opponent with success. Otherwise you may end up on the canvas looking up at the lights for a few minutes.
Any Hook to Head should be palm down, any to the body should be palm in. Thumb controls the mechanics of the elbow and shoulder, it gives the correct line. Also theres a big connection between the Hip and Knee,and thumb they all evolved together, it gives good bio mechanical fundamentals to balance of movement.