How to Throw a Left Hook

Learn the punching techniques to the boxer's left hook. This a difficult punch to master and often done with many mistakes. Learn the common faults of this deadly punch as well as some variations to throw the hook. (Left hook, pivoting hook, left hook to the body.)
00:00 - Intro
00:08 - The demonstrate and basic technique for left hook
00:28 - Basic technique rotate in left hook
01:10 - Basic technique glove in left hook
02:00 - Common mistake #1 - drop the right glove when throw left hook
02:20 - Common mistake #2 - lean back when throw left hook
02:50 - Common mistake #3 - Too much focus on the hands
03:15 - Common mistake #4 - Low elbow
03:50 - Common mistake #5 - Don't let it fly
04:01 - Throw a hook to the body
04:24 - Throw pivoting hook when swing right foot
04:38 - Sumary
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[@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

[@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 👍

[@horny4violence]

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

[@expertboxing]

YEAUP!

[@expertboxing]

Thanks, Martin. I'm glad it helped!

[@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!

[@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!

[@meteora8888]

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

[@killerswitch621]

I have been practicing along from Jab an 123 combo an trying to get better foot work just following videos before an no doubt have made improvements from my black belt in runduckhide but since I have found this guys videos an started skipping for 10minutes after a little stretching an basic warm up,have been able to see an feel where I have been going wrong,an some times it was in the part where he said this is what people do wrong an not what to do section of the videos,my partner an flatmates have asked me after I got the bag if I had a bad day or what went wrong because they have never heard me hit the bag so hard,I never had a bad day just my technic ,body movements,an footwork have finally combine an improved making my punches have much more power,quicker an flow with combos an changing punches an angles with more confidence ,it's actually flowing,I am no iron Mike an have heaps to learn but finally found a guy who's videos I can follow what he says ,understand,an actually see what not to do an common mistakes made in same video,an can't say it enough skipping,has given me a renewed interest in training an the sport over the last year,,thanks for the videos an time an effort when you made them cheers

[@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!!

[@hkmtshn1]

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

[@changeyalife2000]

This has helped me massively - thanks man 👊🏼

[@MarcinWarsaw]

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

[@burakakpinar5739]

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

[@expertboxing]

Thank you.

[@Adamanska13]

Good explanation on different techniques! I like your videos.

[@jamiegregory3532]

Im a beginner and struggle with this punch. This video helped me a lot. Thanks!

[@missdome]

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

[@thecountryofthebrave]

We appreciate your work.God bless.

[@ohgodimgood]

Great tips, coach, thanks so much!

[@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!

[@omshah3101]

this channel is awesome helps me in boxing a lot \ thank u johnny .

[@tv_milkandkoritv4935]

The Best explanation ever

[@cringy12yearold17]

Thank you dude!

[@villainambitions]

Very good video!!! Thanks!!!

[@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]

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.

[@alaaabujamea9827]

YOU WERE VERY HELPFUL THANK OYU

[@Tbessix220]

So professional and easy :D .Thanks

[@tommathew7684]

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

[@ivindandersen8792]

Thanks for the video :)

[@bennubird0]

Good video thank you J.

[@csquaredboxing]

Love the video brother keep it up!

[@expertboxing]

Jen, I've already made a video on how to throw an uppercut.

[@bobweave1340]

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

[@gameboy5524]

Great video

[@1haleema]

Amazing boxer.learnt alot. Appreciated 😊

[@expertboxing]

Glad to hear that

[@AHMAD3107]

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

[@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.

[@alam77ny]

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

[@jasonscrappy4994]

That's some sweet science!

[@NukaColaQuantum]

Thank you

[@vincentrobert8460]

Thanks brother

[@novacore2116]

Learning Boxing 🥊 during the Quarantine Lockdown

[@expertboxing]

You're welcome!

[@flyingnimbus1000]

they look sick!

[@expertboxing]

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

[@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)

[@fergusjenkins9785]

Well done for explaining this better than freddie roach.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@expertboxing]

This is perfectly ok. It's hard to get your elbow up at certain angles because it's simply not anatomically possible.

[@Shtyce]

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

[@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.

[@kaptainkermo]

Hi! For orthodox stance, should the left hook be more of a second punch (ie right cross then left hook) or counter punch (ie slip then left hook)? It seems really difficult to just walk up to your opponent and throw a left hook as the first punch.

[@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?

[@JenBecht]

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

[@flyingnimbus1000]

@expertboxing hey what shoes are you wearing?

[@expertboxing]

I have another guide to help adjust your left hook technique. You should check it out.

[@stevenmonash6284]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@expertboxing]

Try everything. Have fun and good luck.

[@exhale85]

yeeuh johnny get it!

[@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..?

[@jonsmitch5158]

10X MAN

[@quensoueu1]

Is the American hook(knuckles vertical) more powerful than the european (knuckles horizontal)?

[@ernistas]

Hey, i am going to spar for the first time on tuesday and i went boxing for 4 sessions now so shall i try using hooks or uppercuts?

[@crblaugrana]

Do a video for the right hook

[@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.

[@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

[@expertboxing]

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

[@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.

[@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]

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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@minhkha6143]

Am I suppose to lock my elbows when I throw the hook? My coach told me I was slapping the bag too much when I was throwing it. But I'm confused because if I lock my elbows and only turn my body, I can't "pop" my shoulders and give it that kind of sling shot hook.

[@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

[@candor7542]

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

[@user-go3cu3jc5q]

Ouch that upper cut

[@kyreewells9215]

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

[@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.

[@ArMiNiSfUCkinRedicK]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@omarperez925]

Do a lesson on the check hook, plz.

[@expertboxing]

I don't already have one?

[@COMB0RICO]

A way to distinguish hook from uppercut is to ask the question, "what leg is the weight shifting to?" Uppercut- leg on same side as punching arm; hook- opposite leg as punch; straight right is trickier to distinguish and I don't have the skill yet to give an answer.

[@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.

[@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

[@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. :)

[@renceileto1776]

Johnny, what's the weight of your gloves? It seems a bit larger..

[@jamestodd1104]

Rence Ileto look like normal 16oz to me

[@expertboxing]

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

[@MarioJPav]

U had Antonio brown's haircut before it was cool

[@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

[@maraen1263]

Hey me again Is stepping forward and throwing a left hook an advanced thing? Or are you supposed to do it when you are close to your opponent? My leftt hook feels fine on the bag but sparring i can only land some if i am kissing my opponent.

[@expertboxing]

It's a common issue of not getting range on the left hook. I have a video coming out on it! :)

[@expertboxing]

Well, those are 3 different punches so they probably have more differences than similarities between them.

[@expertboxing]

Nike Lo-Pro boxing shoes

[@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.