How to Throw a Left Hook

[@ryanm6828]

By far the best go to guy for breaking down everything into simple and easy steps to learn how to correctly execute any punch. Thank you for sharing.

[@expertboxing]

Ryan M Thank you, my friend.

[@janorszulik6429]

+Ryan M yup, really decent.

[@daremafiaa1991]

Alejandro Rodriguez Nice, hopefully I master the left hook, I'm an orthodox boxer too, Best of luck in everything 👍🏽

[@Whyistomatoafruit]

“You want to imagine that you’re slashing your opponent’s throat with that left elbow.” Me: “Ohhhhhh..” *magically it all clicks into place*

[@expertboxing]

hahahahha

[@munchpunch2981]

No lie

[@kabinwang3456]

Yo thanks a lot for these boxings vids. They cover the BASICS very thoroughly (which can't be said for other how to videos on YT) and they've helped me a lot. Thanks man!

[@jamescoberly2843]

I've done some fitness boxing, even some (very poor) MMA, but your videos are the best for some of the finer points that I never learned.

[@expertboxing]

I appreciate that!

[@expertboxing]

Yeah, some trainers only teach one method...or they recommend using the one you like better. But after a while, I started teaching both because both of them have their advantages/disadvantages. If it works for you, great.

[@riniflex01]

Man its so hard to land a solid left hook for me. This vid brought light quite a few mistakes I make. Thanks dude 👍

[@expertboxing]

Thanks, Martin. I'm glad it helped!

[@tv_milkandkoritv4935]

The Best explanation ever

[@expertboxing]

"Cocking a punch" means you keep making an unnecessary movement before throwing the punch. 99% of the time, this means you pull your hand back or drop it a little before you throw it. What trainers like to do is train you to throw the fist straight forward without any initial pull back which "loads" the punch and telegraphs your intention.

[@horny4violence]

You're gonna fall in love with this punch after the first time you land it cleanly.

[@expertboxing]

YEAUP!

[@sonidodesilencio3660]

really appreciate this video. to echo other people's thoughts, the author is really able to condense info down in such a technical yet concise way. looking forward to going through your videos and programs!

[@burakakpinar5739]

i checked some videos on youtube for beginner stuff, your explanation far simple and effective, thanks man

[@expertboxing]

Thank you.

[@shannonblalock436]

Theirs too many guys making videos who think, and not know, what their talking about. However, this guy does!.Great video, good instructions. Finally someone with solid real advice and who actually knows what their talking about.. Great Job man. Keep them coming!!

[@thecountryofthebrave]

We appreciate your work.God bless.

[@1haleema]

Amazing boxer.learnt alot. Appreciated 😊

[@expertboxing]

Glad to hear that

[@meteora8888]

excellent. I like how you talk about the common mistakes for the particular punch. thanks!

[@MarcinWarsaw]

Clear, professional and easy to follow. Really liked that.

[@cringy12yearold17]

Thank you dude!

[@tommathew7684]

My left hook was horrible. Everything you detailed. Thank you.

[@expertboxing]

Lamon Brewster is teaching a different kind of left hook (although not too different from mine) with an exaggeration for more power. What I teach here is a more neutral technique that sets a good foundation for beginners. It's balanced between speed, power, and then of course you can alter it for whatever you want.

[@missdome]

I like how you explain. Thank you. You are really good! :)

[@MartinMarchev]

Great explanation, man! Thanks for this helpful video! I really liked how you described the most common errors when throwing the left hook. I've just found your channel and I'm sorry that I haven't found it earlier :) Keep up the good work!

[@expertboxing]

Before the punch, you're relaxed. As you start to turn the punch over, you feel the contraction in your right hamstring and left quad. You'll feel the straight in your left shoulder and left chest as you try to hold a frame and swing that left elbow over. Your upper body is a frame but not a HARD frame, it simply moves as one. Throughout this entire movement, you're making a tight exhale and clench your fist right as the punch lands.

[@onionmuffin]

This video helped me a lot, thanks.I' m glad i found your channel.

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Good stuff. Love the left hook. I'm a natural southpaw, but fight orthodox 90% of the time. My jab is one of my strongest punches, and my left hook is my best punch (favorite strike is the spinning backfist though)

[@expertboxing]

Hooks can be on the same leg as the throwing arm or between the 2 legs, or in some cases the opposite leg.

[@alaaabujamea9827]

YOU WERE VERY HELPFUL THANK OYU

[@expertboxing]

Don't think about your arm. If anything, visualize yourself preparing and releasing/relaxing the upper body, shoulder and elbow. The hand can be wherever it is because it moves very fast and very easily. The hard part is the arm and the body rotation.

[@DiscipleOfLizardKing]

you dont have to necessarily put your right heel down as long as you are pivoting with your left foot. If you can do it the way here then thats good, but what really matters is do what works for you.( when i do a left hook i usually stay on the balls of my feet) Just remember to pivot your left foot because thats were your power and rotation comes from...that being said its still a good idea to try it in a mirror slowly first like johny said and try to learn it correctly before improvising

[@expertboxing]

That's exactly the reason why many people leave their weight on the front foot or at the center instead of shifting all the way over to the back foot. Some punches don't work unless you're inside really close.

[@villainambitions]

Very good video!!! Thanks!!!

[@bobweave1340]

ok cheers i checked it out some good tips especially the chest & shoulder contraction will practice these steps & hopefully work...thanks

[@Serganten1]

Can you show the hook technique Mayweather use sometimes? He used it against hatton. I think it is called "the check-hook". And its a shame I missed your workshops. Quite hard to get to America from Sweden in a cheap and quick way ;) Keep the vids coming!

[@ohgodimgood]

Great tips, coach, thanks so much!

[@useruser_notinuse]

So professional and easy :D .Thanks

[@ArMiNiSfUCkinRedicK]

dude thank you for this video....ive been boxing for a while, am orthodox stance, but i cant throw a left hook for shit....this video helped thanks man

[@alam77ny]

very good tutorial. I am just getting my hook and this one is a good help. Thanks buddy.

[@hoejackborseman1059]

u'r doing a great job expertboxing , I've improved so much with the correctional information and advice's u give . Keep it coming. and also please also do something on 1. breathing while punching 2. cardio & strength workouts 3. core muscle exercises would help ur fans and boxing lovers a lot ! thnks

[@expertboxing]

I will definitely make get those videos out to you! Thanks for watching.

[@expertboxing]

Exactly, the left heel doesn't lift/rotate with the jab. You save it for the left hook.

[@csquaredboxing]

Love the video brother keep it up!

[@expertboxing]

The arm has to move with the body or else it will look silly if you swing the arm without the body. If anything, IMAGINE your arm in one position as you swing the body and this will look better.

[@TashaLaweh]

Ouch that upper cut

[@bobweave1340]

hi i have had an argument with myself on the left hook ive been caught up about it and always thinking about it..it just dosent feel right to me when i throw it it feels slow and not correct technique im orthodoxed and have long arms is this why?..id really like to masyer

[@ArMiNiSfUCkinRedicK]

the elbow tip was genuis...i think my problem was i tried to use more arm motion then from the hips

[@SerbianKickboxer969]

Stupid question...I've noticed that planting my right foot when doing the l.hook takes away a lot of the range.Is it supposed to be like that?

[@expertboxing]

Try everything. Have fun and good luck.

[@C0UCHL0CKED]

Can you talk about how your body should feel when throwing these punches? For example; should you feel strain or tightness in your legs, etc. That's the biggest problem I have when i try to apply the techniques; just knowing how my body is supposed to feel when in the stance and when throwing punches.

[@expertboxing]

Every situation is different. What works in one might be bad in another. Every powerful punch has a vulnerability. For sure, you will need that elbow to come up if you want power behind your hooks. That wrist needs reinforcement.

[@bennubird0]

Good video thank you J.

[@flyingnimbus1000]

@expertboxing hey what shoes are you wearing?

[@vincentrobert8460]

Thanks brother

[@ivindandersen8792]

Thanks for the video :)

[@JenBecht]

can you make a video on how to to an upper cut?

[@AHMAD3107]

Great ...... Really helped me....

[@MisterVolts]

Compare this technique with Bruce Lee's "shovel hook". Also, Johnny raises a good point about the forward lean - it's a good measure to keep your chin BEHIND your lead knee. This ensures good form, to land a quicker, cleaner punch without leading with your face. :)

[@expertboxing]

You have to be able to do it slow before you can do it fast. Do it slow motion and watch yourself in the mirror.

[@mightysheev3511]

i literally have your videos on watch it through and practice in the mirror while listening to the video again

[@olot100]

how far out should i move my arm at the start of the hook? I'm not sure if I'm winding back too much or if I'm not giving enough swing room. Any tips?

[@coco1979]

With the mid range hook I find it quite easy to get the elbow up nice and parallel L shape but from there the further out I try to hook at longer ranges I find it difficult to get the elbow,forearm and fist all parallel with the floor,The elbow is a little bit lower Do you think this is ok? Is this normal or do you think I need to work on this..?

[@expertboxing]

There are several ways to throw the hook depending on the angle you're attacking at. There are many explanations regarding both versions of the hook. In regards to your concern about hitting with the wrong knuckles, that's bad technique. But to say one position is more powerful than the other, well it really depends on what angle and how far, etc, etc.

[@stevenmonash6284]

Should we step a little at an angle of the lead leg to set up the left hook?

[@Shtyce]

Great video, it helped a lot! btw, do you know if Mike Tyson ever threw a horizontal punch?

[@CharlesBiancoRealtor]

*the punch is supposed to be thrown with the thumb up as though holding a mug, NOT with your thumb to the side, great way to hurt yourself if you do it with the thumb to the side.

[@kyreewells9215]

as i pivit my feet can i keep my opisite foot flat footed

[@pattygurrola5648]

Nice would u mind showing me a few punches 👏👍✋

[@expertboxing]

Patty Gurrola Hahaha....

[@lynettewilson7396]

+Patty Gurrola Yeah he's very gorgeous in my opinion, love the way he breaks things down so plan and simple, watched other video on right cross punch very interesting.

[@promma4225]

hey one question Johnny when u throw the hook do u have to protect ur chin with ur shoulder or keeping one side protected is good enough?.

[@expertboxing]

It's not practical to try and defend as you're striking. It helps to be defensively aware but it doesn't help to let your fear of getting hit keep you from attacking fluidly. When I throw the hook, the throwing arm is focused on landing the punch and the other arm is back at my chin.

[@CGoody564]

am I the only righty that feels awkward as fuck trying to throw power with the left hand? I know I have to, but God damn it's weird.

[@benf4628]

I like the left hook more than the right and I'm orthodox. I can get a lot of power from the left hook right after a strong cross

[@CGoody564]

Benedict Feser after a cross or straight, i agree. i mean leading with a left hook, no set up punch

[@CGoody564]

Benedict Feser this has since been improved. before i was throwing my l hook really wide/looping

[@expertboxing]

Practice will make it less weird. And honestly, I found even some of the best punchers may have weird hooks. Look at Golovkin for example. Some of his hooks look awkward as hell, and yet they work perfectly.

[@EDOGZ818]

Those are Puerto Rican or Olympic style hooks, thrown with thumb down & scoring with white part of the glove.....them $hyts hurt. I've been hit with a thumb up hook from a heavy weight that felt like getting hit by a car & then a thumb down hook by a welterweight & it felt like a tap from one of those 12 inch mini baseball bats. I actually had to call time out & rub my head under my head gear.

[@Compl33tR4nd0mZ]

I prefer using vertical hook in all instances, is there a good reason why I should force myself to learn the horizontal hook?

[@expertboxing]

Sometimes it gets around the guard better.

[@candor7542]

What is your favorite bag to practice the left hook on? Speed, Heavy, double?

[@omarperez925]

Do a lesson on the check hook, plz.

[@expertboxing]

I don't already have one?

[@expertboxing]

The more you punch, the more you're open. It's a tradeoff but you should try it.

[@maisetas]

hey, i have a problem throwing a hook. the problem is when i throw combination for example jab right and left hook most guys are protected in the shell or a peekaboo and when i throw that left hook i have no power in it and my left hook just stucks on his glove mean time i leave myself open for a straight right or even a jab because iam slightly pivoted to my right. what learnt is that throwing a vertical hook is easier to retrieve ur hand back and it does not stuck at other guys glove. something like throwing body shots to a heavy bag and pucnhes just slips of the bag if u know what iam saying. sorry couldnt explain any better , hope u understood

[@expertboxing]

maisetas I understand the problem. It has to do with your skill and timing. It takes experience for you to know when to throw the shot. It's gonna take time, man. And practice. And more rounds spent with the more experienced guys before you become one of them.

[@crblaugrana]

Do a video for the right hook

[@johannsebastian2762]

What do you say about throwing the hook in a rather wide path to elicit bigger kinetic power?

[@expertboxing]

Nah, that's nothing. The only reason why the wide path might be more powerful is because your body has more time to rotate into the punch. If you have good coordination and a fast body twitch, you don't need a wide hook.

[@expertboxing]

Because it's an awkward punch. Many details to placing your body correctly.

[@jordyschilthuis5267]

Is it nececarry to lean to the left before throwing it ?

[@expertboxing]

As long as your left hand/shoulder can hit the opponent, you are fine. But if not, then you will need a step or a slip or some kind of movement to get the angle for it. At least if you want power that is...

[@jordyschilthuis5267]

I get it

[@MixUpMike69]

I have a question I started boxing since 2 months ago I threw my hook thumb facing up I feel like i have more power but my coach said to throw a hook, thumb facing me (Palms facing down) but each time I hit the heavy bags it feels uncomfortable and it hurts my wrist and I feel like my power is weak then when I throw my hook palms facing me. What hook should I rely on?

[@MrVaDelux]

Miguel cotto a pro boxer won over 10 titles throws a hook the same way u do. I say stay with the hook u like

[@jjp3717]

Can u please tell my why my middle knuckle bottom of the fist hurts when I throw my left hook

[@dilahke3568]

+Jesse John Peña 3 When you throw a punch try to aim your punch with your pointing finger knuckle and your middle finger knuckle these bones are stronger then the other 2

[@med4u1]

I have a question. The motion of bringing the hook back in that you're doing (not sure how else to explain this- slapping motion) is that after impact or during impact? In other words am I suppose to maintain a certain angle (bend in the elbow) when it's being thrown getting most of the power from rotation and then bring it back in after impact?

[@bobweave1340]

sorry for double posting when im shadow boxing it feels weird i know i do have a good left arm because i have a good jab and have ko'd a few with a left hook but tbh it was strret fights =no style just haymakers id like to have a good snapping left hook for boxing ive been boxing on and off 3 years and ive become obsessed with this one punch but no matter wat i do just dont seem right i have thrown more hooks than u can imagine id love a hook like trinadas

[@asweeney101]

hey great video, really enjoy your tutorials and your webpage, do you shift all your weight to your back leg when you throw the hook? Thanks Alex

[@expertboxing]

Sometimes, I do. Sometimes I don't. You can throw a hook with your weight in the front, or in the middle. And WHILE you throw the hook, you can shift your weight or leave it in place. Each one has a different effect and purpose.

[@asweeney101]

OK thanks for the info!

[@exhale85]

yeeuh johnny get it!

[@phamngoctai4010]

My coach always say that: " your hooks are too short, throw a longer hook", I'm just confused because my long hook feels awkward, and it isn't as strong as short hooks. Do you know how to fix this?

[@Compl33tR4nd0mZ]

Practice it and try new angles till you find what's comfortable, long hooks you could try to use shoulder and back muscle as it's not so easy to use core for long range :-)

[@chriscurtis8850]

Victor Lopez it means you're pulling your arm back before you throw the punch

[@camson1236]

I am having trouble throwing this punch, i think it is because im a right handed southpaw; any advice?

[@expertboxing]

Cam Ealy Watch my video on left hook technique and tips.

[@ownage7264]

johnny are u meant to push when u are rotating the foot?

[@expertboxing]

I hate the word push. It's more like a drill. Think of it this way...you're not pushing your foot OFF the ground, you're pushing your foot INTO the ground.

[@ownage7264]

expertboxing oh so lift the heel up and push foot into the ground?

[@mikemccabe1594]

👍

[@jonsmitch5158]

10X MAN

[@TenshiYerlin]

Uhhh Can you help me. I tried this on my friend and now his face is on his back.

[@ev0wat]

master your jab id say for starters. because if these short mike tyson stockier guys get insde you it be goodnight. you can do long hooks only for emergency id say, dont go out of your way to keep doing them

[@jonathancook4954]

what do u mean not on the front leg?

[@expertboxing]

Can you tell me what point of the video you're referring to?

[@expertboxing]

No because the boxing stance is asymmetrical.

[@gameboy5524]

It's hard doing it on the right

[@expertboxing]

YES, DON'T DO THAT.

[@globalcombattv]

Do you defend like that without huge gloves as well?

[@dragomonplayer4878]

Does anyone else suffer from bicep pain when throwing left hooks

[@amerqaddoumi3509]

Dragomon Player you must've overswing or use you you're arm not your forarm

[@Takomuhra]

No not at all. When it comes to arm movement when throwing a hook properly there's actually very little of it. If you're hurting your biceps I would guess you're throwing with your arm and not rotating your body. When you throw a hook, of course depending on range, but if you're doing a slight step forward to be in range with the jab then the movement of the arm itself is maybe 3-4 inches. The rest is body rotation. Or you might be doing a shovel hook, like the guy shows with his elbow low. Like a cross between uppercut and hook.

[@kerem9508]

Why not right

[@gregorywladecki5382]

It annoys me that every video on hooks says to not pull back the hand. Then they proceed to do exactly that.

[@francisnoeldamit2095]

Im a right handed but my left hook has more power than my right straight.. i dunno why...

[@samuraisam5485]

because your right hand have more technique but is not so fast like your left!!!

[@angelocamat1100]

It feels weird throwing a left hook for me,

[@samuraisam5485]

if you want to see best right hook! you must see the fight TYSON VS RICHARSON!!!