Left Hook Tips and Technique

Boxing technique video with punching tips to adjust your left hook technique. The left hook is probably the hardest punch to learn and hopefully some of the advice here will make this boxing punch feel natural to you.
00:00 - Intro
00:14 - Left hook tip #1 - The feet
01:39 - Left hook tip #2 - The chest and the shoulder
03:00 - Left hook tip #3 - The elbow
03:50 - Left hook tip #4 - The fist
04:27 - Left hook tip #5 - Try a hookercut
04:47 - Left hook tip #6 - The power
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[@Burdanete]

that last tip about rotating your back forward really makes it work. you're fabulous at these intuitive descriptions of how the punches should feel; and these really help. thanks man

[@expertboxing]

Happy for you.

[@boxiwang5992]

Been training for a while, but noticed that I couldn't throw a orthodox left hook properly because of a simple mistake; just didn't know what it was, as soon as I watched 1 minute of the video, and tried it. I fixed it. Thanks Coach Johnny!

[@expertboxing]

I'm happy for you. Hooks can be very tricky and do weird things to your shoulder when you don't know how to make them feel natural.

[@expertboxing]

That's good news. Keep training hard! I'm glad it helped out.

[@expertboxing]

I'm very happy for you. Those tiny little details can sometimes make all the difference!

[@lobotrejo2979]

Left hook, FIXED!

[@expertboxing]

Awesome! This is why I made this video. Once you get the hang of the elbow, bring your focus closer to your core (the shoulder, then the chest, then the core). Soon you're not worrying about your arm no more because everything is automatic. ;)

[@expertboxing]

I haven't gotten around to digging up sparring footage but you can look at the old one I uploaded to the channel a while ago.

[@kawthar82]

absolutely brilliant set of tips!!!

[@expertboxing]

The funny thing is, I know this hook as a "dive-bomb hook" and first saw it done by a Russian boxer. I think this kind of hook is very dangerous for your wrist when done incorrectly. You have to understand that the wrist faces you NOT because you turn the wrist but because the punch is SO MUCH of a hook that it hits while returning back to you. It's for when you need a really sharp hook to come around your opponent's guard or get over his shoulder roll tactics.

[@expertboxing]

Let me know how that tip works for you, it's a big one. ;)

[@barakau]

Excellent channel for breaking down boxing technique and skills...especially as a newbie. Keep up the great work...will be watching every video possible!

[@MusicalAdrian]

In-depth, point-by-point analysis of a single punch, right down to which muscles to flex and when... There are few tutorials on any subject that are this complete and concise. Ten stars.

[@nicotargaryen1350]

great! the visualize with the back part drastically improved my hooks and uppercuts. I did it with my hips before

[@expertboxing]

It all depends on the situation and placement of the body. Sometimes a horizontal fist is better, sometimes a vertical fist is better. You have to pick the one that feels more natural in the moment and allows for proper alignment of the forearm for wrist support. There will also be moments where you can use both.

[@expertboxing]

There are many ways to do something. Some are more effective/efficient than others. In this case, I prefer my technique over his.

[@Mouajimmy]

wow... that last part is amazing! love ur work and ty for sharing!

[@chrisroper5698]

Great video, definitely worth keeping these cues in mind when throwing the left hook.

[@expertboxing]

You're welcome, my friend.

[@ivanaec90]

i love your videos man, they're 100% helpful. the 'visualize back' tip is genius. thank you very much! greetings from Madrid!

[@expertboxing]

That's the secret punching technique to left hooks! ;)

[@fokjock]

This is a really good video.Thanks

[@expertboxing]

GREAT!

[@757reaper]

Best Way i've seen to cut down on over rotation. THank you, again.

[@domenictudino]

Awesome advice !!!!

[@mattdrives4757]

Thanks man. Been training at the Y on the heavy bag. I've got my form on jabs down. Now on to hooks...

[@Jdog305Cubanito]

Excellent explanation thanks mane!

[@expertboxing]

It's really a shame that guys like you can't find boxing gyms. Keep training and take every opportunity you have. Good luck.

[@kvngixac144]

This video helped sooo much thank you🔥🥊

[@expertboxing]

glad you like it

[@poloaasasan]

thanks Johnny you the man!

[@anarchonihilist1568]

this is the only channel on youtube I subscribe to. your tips have doubled my speed and power. thanks homie.

[@expertboxing]

You're welcome!

[@si7ver9]

thank you!

[@VideoSnowman]

recently subscribed. great tips as always! could you possibly make the same type of video for the right hook?

[@aayushmanawasthi9195]

Ty so much sir

[@expertboxing]

I'm 28 now and have way too many favorites to list. I love many of the classic greats everyone knows as well as many other unknown local guys only because I trained with them in the gym.

[@eric3020]

Great Stuff; I train MMA and want to incorporate some basic boxing into it... I'd like to see some partner demos of basic counters and setups if you have time.

[@expertboxing]

I have some other videos demonstrating body shots, technique and strategy.

[@expertboxing]

Yup yup, that's one of the biggest secrets to hook/uppercut power. ;)

[@nikolasavic5878]

I always had dillema about how to throw a hook. With vertical or with horizontal fist. This video has helped me a lot. In my experience, the best way is to throw hook is with a vertical fist, when the opponent is in a realy close range. But when the opponent is slightly far away, and I throw a hook to the head, the horizontal fist suits me the best. I had a shoulder issue before, so this type of landing hooks feels the most natural to me. Maybe someone else will feel comfortabile with throwing hooks other way, regarding their height and shoulder mobility.

[@Koindewk]

Thanks!

[@RaulReyAso82]

Whaaa I love the last tip Johnny, can't wait to use that. As a short fighter I love throwing my hooks!

[@spyroskonst]

wow, didn't even know about the "front chest/shoulder" & "visualize back" tips. You're a great net coach man, keep it up!!

[@DiscipleOfLizardKing]

I know this doesnt have anything to do with the video, but thank you. Ive been boxing for a year now and there are no boxing gyms within 2 hours of where i live, but thanks to your website and these video ive gotten really good at it. Since i dont have a gym around i usually just spar with mma fighters in my area, ive only been beaten once and it was by a submission (something i dont do). Anyways i just wanted to say thank you for being the coach i never had, it means so much more than you know.

[@maraen1263]

I finally got it johnny, wanted to come back here at this vid i watched a lot of times and say thanks again. I was over rotating, i started with my arm behind my body and i would always have my weight on the front leg. No more

[@expertboxing]

Front leg weight is ok but too much can affect you. Glad you figured out your body.

[@simplyp9219]

the tensing the chest and shoulder is an excellent tip that i didn't really think about at the start.

[@expertboxing]

it’s the real deal! prep that whole side and your hook is solid!

[@simplyp9219]

@@expertboxing thanks a lot coach. i did it with the right side "naturally" but i guess i didn't make the conscious effort to do it on the left side. i just got back from the gym and used your tip and was very deliberate in tensing (mind muscle connection) it is wayyyy more solid and just feels a lot better,. thanks for the tips and videos. i bought my first pair of gloves recently and part of my decision was based on your glove reviews. thanks for that as well! i didn't want to spend too much but i was tired of my cheaper gloves peeling so much. ended up getting twins special cause of the leather/quality and they weren't as expensive as reyes, winning, etc.

[@johnc5869]

Nice video. I was trying to work out why my back knee was getting sore from hooking and I realised I wasn't turning it out enough. Cheers!

[@amanjotsingh7750]

Thank you very very very very very very very very very much

[@matthewarocena3388]

your Boxing Vids have made me 3 times the boxer i was!!! keep doing what you doing, Thx for the great vids

[@titskiawesome7]

Definitely helped my left hook

[@daviddennin9952]

Excellent advises mate. The left hook is a difficult perfectly techniques to acquire. Not to forget that the power comes from the rotation of the hips & feet and to squeeze our fist at the impact. Shoulder up, elbow up rotating at the same time with the front leg & hips and bang ! These are some tips that I remember well from my brilliant former instructors M Dutheil and son. Thank you for posting your sharp tips.

[@kkavan2]

Thanks for the video as always, man. I have been boxing for about 9 months now. My footwork has come along well, and I feel comfortable throwing every punch - minus the left hook. I have uncovered your video, and it is really helping me. It just doesn't feel like a natural motion for me. Anyway, if you could tell me one or two things to do that would help, I would appreciate it. Keep up the good work!!

[@expertboxing]

Try the advice in this video! And keep doing it.

[@bobweave1340]

good breakdown of the mechanics helped me alot..i use the wall at home to practise using gloves and got sone zip and power using these technique..i feel more comfortale pivoting in southpaw but im orthodoxed.is this bad for me should i use orthodox the whole time or is it ok to switch

[@eazyPsycho]

thank you man, in my last fight i got a point taken away for slapping with the left hook this helped a lot.

[@ovidiumaier4608]

youre a good teacher man ! You made my left hook not suck so much :) thx

[@Demonthya]

You're sharing some gold my friend =D

[@Rey_eo]

thank man! the chest+shoulder tensing tip really fixed my hook, i am not hurting my shoulder and feel more power when i throw it. I find your other vids veryuseful too! thanks again.

[@expertboxing]

I'm happy for you, Geoff. Those details really changed my life for me, too. I'm glad they can others as well.

[@jonathancook4954]

expertboxing are u not meant to put your weight on ur left leg to throw the hook?

[@dtatge1]

Just came here to say the exact same thing.

[@757reaper]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I just figured out why my wrist got muffed up. Didn't know you shouldn't throw a body hook with your palm facing down.

[@Jarrodmontelius]

This channel is PRO

[@Saamrizz]

Only if I could left hook through my screen to some of these divs on youtube. No one on this video but some of the people on youtube generally...good vid, thanks for the help

[@hitman59100]

Thank you very much for the reply. I love your channel. So for you it's not good to stretch the chest like the dude do in his video? But when I watch Tyson fight ,Golovkin,etc... They do the same thing.

[@zone6eastside672]

He Makes So Much Since

[@expertboxing]

Exactly! Don't throw body hooks with the palm facing down.

[@expertboxing]

Think of it this way. The body's movement is to generate power. The arm's movement is to deliver from a specific angle. The hook is powered by the body and aimed by the arm.

[@expertboxing]

Pivoting the feet does generate more power. If you're not feeling the power it's probably because you're either over-pivoting ORRR you're not connecting the foot pivot to your core. It's about pivoting the whole body, not only the feet. With that being said, pros are so well coordinated that they need only a small twitch to activate the entire body whereas beginners need a full pivot to get maximum power. If you watch pros train in person, then you'll DEFINITELY see them pivot.

[@jesuspaz4512]

Thats my problem I don’t keep my shoulder and elbow tight Definitely this video is helpful I guess I ll practice shadow boxing hopefully I ll get it right

[@guitarfan84]

Hi Johnny, what do you think of "Russian Hooks", a hook where your the backhand is facing you, like you're looking at a wristwatch? Advisable? I find it more comfortable than the standard looping and close range hooks.

[@bobweave1340]

also i think shadowboxing it probably didnt feel right because a hard surface wasnt been struck and also my rear foot hip pivot on the cross needed adjustment i can hook good in southpaw stance orthodox just little behind oh and also the tip with tenseing chest shoulder was good..any thoughts would be great..cheers

[@lyricrichards8472]

yyooo johnny when you throw the jab left hook combo ,, do you have to bring your fist all the way back to your chin after the jab?? or can you just go to the hook at the end of the jab

[@angusanguz6015]

Thank you very much it fixed my left hook, I did not know about the tensing your chest and shoulder it really made a difference

[@med4u1]

when you say contract left arm and shoulder is it also correct to think of it as your body and left arm as one unit and just rotating the body?

[@gamwpanagia]

hi johnny,i would like to ask something,isnt vertical fist more powerful? most pros i ve seen punch like that and i too im able to punch harder with a vertical although a horizontal hook seems more accurate and longer range punch

[@Abigailistic]

I completely forget how to hook when it comes to my left side I'm going to assume that is bad but I don't like leaving my already crappy knee open to being kicked in again. Hopefully if I work on what you mentioned I'll improve, the elbow thing was great btw. :D nice vid

[@bobweave1340]

hey man have a guess whats my favourite punch is now..10 out of 10 for the tips horizontal or vertical my left hook is now a weapon had to work a bit on technique and footwork and then it all came together..ill let you know when im champ lol

[@expertboxing]

Looks like you have to change your technique. Change the angle of the arm coming from the shoulder, or the angle of your elbow, or the angle of your wrist rotation. If horizontal fist hurts, then use a vertical fist.

[@jfkdog1]

Gotta love De La Hoya's Left hook one of the best I saw. De la Hoya vs Vargas shows what im talking about. Im 31 years old so I grew up in a very good era for boxing. How old are you pal? May I ask who is your favorite boxer?

[@wkcacc]

Can you explain the type of hook Sergey Kovalev throws. This can be shown at 2:20 of this link Sergey Kovalev Training For Hopkins Highlights

[@damage915]

Hey there EB why is it so hard for a new person to get the left hook down any advise??

[@joeel2167]

Great video man, but a few weeks back I threw a left hook with horrible form, twisted my entire body while my foot planted on the ground. My knee popped out and I'm finally off crutches. My question is, is that are there any footwork drills in order for me to get lighter and more agile on my toes?

[@expertboxing]

Skipping rope!

[@markant9534]

+expertboxing These hooks work great in a boxing ring (Joe Frazier etc.) but this vid doesn`t explain why some guys at my school naturally punched a lot harder than the ham-fisted guys.

[@guitarfan84]

Understood. But throwing hooks with the palm facing the floor hurts my wrists as it's bent on impact. i throw it at a 90 degree angle. what's the problem J?

[@skotiskiller]

THANK YOU A LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

[@skotiskiller]

skotiskiller Even though i wanted to ask something.

[@expertboxing]

skotiskiller You're welcoooooooooooooooooooooome!

[@skotiskiller]

expertboxing I wanted to ask you (if it is not a bother) if having my back foot not turned is right.

[@hitman59100]

Hi!Can you say me if the technique the dude show in his video for throwing a hook , is the right technique? typing this in youtube: "How To Punch Harder Using Simple Science - Freakish Power Punch Training - Increase Striking Power " Thanks! I hope your will reply

[@mexguy011]

i'm relatively new to fighting and i was wondering if you have any tips on keeping your shoulders down and relaxed. i have a tendency to bring my shoulders up as i'm setting up my punches and i tend to lose power and am prone to telegraphing a lot.

[@expertboxing]

That's a common problem with newbies. Keep training and sparring and it goes away naturally as you become more comfortable inside the ring.

[@mexguy011]

awesome thanks. ill keep that in mind

[@maraen1263]

Hey Do i have to start the hook from guard position? I thought i had to power it up by starting a bit from behind me, like it wasn't a fast and short motion

[@expertboxing]

Yes and no. There are many kinds of hooks. Some are thrown from usual stance, others have a setup.

[@Diguez]

mannn! my coach said to me that I should use the hook with the thumb facing like to you.. instead of up.. Although I know and I get more power plus less injured when I throw the hook with the thumb facing up like normally everyone does... What should I do :/

[@expertboxing]

It depends on the range and how you throw it. Some positions are anatomically more comfortable than others. So if you're gonna copy his hand position, you need to copy the rest of his body position too so it all goes together.

[@pineappleapplepens]

what shoes are those?

[@expertboxing]

Different hooks for different purposes. Different moves give you a different effect. There's no rule.

[@dominikschneider1921]

You fucking blow my mind with the last tip and i'm not a beginner

[@tzahi12370]

good tips as always but to generate power on the left hook lead hook you need to stretch the muscles of the chest and shoulders before you contract and flex them at the moment you make contact with the target!! look at every heavy puncher like GGG or Canelo for example and in slow motion you can see the muscles stretch before they making contact with the left hook to their opponent.

[@expertboxing]

AGREED! Release first and then a unified contraction.

[@tzahi12370]

expertboxing Love your videos by the way. I notice that a lot of pros are not rotating their lead foot but they have very powerfull lead left hooks like: (golovkin,lemieux,canelo,cotto)

[@expertboxing]

Many reasons: 1. thrown from the weak hand 2. requires entire body coordination that you don't have 3. doesn't let you cheat. requires body torque control that people don't have. unlike a right hand where you can just fall into it. it's much harder to "fall" into a left hook because it's a big rotational movement. 4. very uncommon and foreign move. most people have never thrown a left hook...or even imitated one before doing boxing. 5. beginners focus too much on power and end up off balance

[@LauraTeAhoWhite]

Freddie Roach made the point that you should throw the hook (left and right) as if you were trying to hit your opponent with the elbow (going through with the elbow). "If a good hook misses, the elbow lands"

[@princejdutta7688]

Nice Video. You have got every tips necessary in the world of boxing. But ill recommend you to add a video on SUPERMAN PUNCH. Thank you.

[@samm1809]

This is a boxing focused channel. Superman punch is basically useless in boxing. The major advantage of the superman punch is that you can trick your opponent into thinking you're throwing a kick. A boxer would ignore the fake kick entirely, and simply have a head start on punching you.

[@bonezone3988]

could you show us like a match or sparring or something just so we can see you in action please?

[@D226894]

Chief Keef @ 0:54 😂

[@Valenced]

my coach says that my shoulder is really tense up and its not good for the hook. help me

[@expertboxing]

Listen to your coach.

[@warriorfire8103]

thought my feet were off. I've been instinctively turning the front foot first as opposed to the rear. Feels better

[@enzantakeshita8838]

+warriorfire8103 I know this response is awfully late (11 months late) but I just want to point out that it's not one or the other. Both feet pivot with this technique.

[@warriorfire8103]

Enzan Takeshita Noticed with time that was the case. Front foot more so but keeping the back foot static wasn't the answer either. Much more snappy hook now.

[@enzantakeshita8838]

warriorfire8103 Glad to hear that you figured it out.

[@hardstock07]

Yu a Pinoy? Thanks, I likes my left power hook!

[@ryanh4975]

When I hit the free standing bag with a left hook it feels awkward

[@expertboxing]

Yes, common issue.

[@billyjohnson2381]

Ask junior dos santos about not leaning back while throwing his left hook

[@Leadfoot_P71]

This is a great video but I think you also should stress the importance of transferring your weight from lead leg to rear leg as you throw the hook. Many guys do everything you showed, but keep their weight on the lead leg, thus not getting any real power behind it. Don't you agree?

[@expertboxing]

Yes and no. There are great reasons for using both hooks that transfer to the back leg as well as hooks that don't transfer to the back leg. And both can be extremely powerful and functional.

[@Leadfoot_P71]

I would be very interested too see a video where you show and explain the difference and when to throw what. I don't think there is such a video out there yet, not that I've seen anyway.

[@expertboxing]

You can look on my website, there's an article called, "The 3 Axes of Boxing".