The Correct Way To Throw HOOKS in BOXING | Thumb Up or Thumb In

[@cjwilson1976]

Agreed the “thumb up” hook is less strain on the shoulder.

[@meridio4441]

Now i know why my shoulder is always fu**ed up 😂😱

[@billschmidt4192]

I agree-- less strain on the Shoulder with the Thumb up.

[@m_js5709]

I usually have to throw thumb up no matter what because I broke my Meta carpal under my index finger in the past playing basketball & punching thumb down causes discomfort for how the bone healed. Luckily thumb up is the way to go in general

[@tomfitcircuit]

I feel exactly the same !

[@GradexAxGuy]

Bruh agreed, and to me it feels more natural.

[@eon001]

Thumb up. Listen to me. Don't listen to the professional boxer, listen to the random guy in the comments section.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

HahHa 👍🏼

[@elbalsero4428]

GGG, Kovalev, Rigondeax... all thumbs up

[@jonbravo9278]

@@elbalsero4428 Mike Tyson, AJ, Foreman and many many more as well. That said they are both tools in the toolbox. Sneaking past gloves around the corner or power changes the thumb position for me. To each there own. Good coaches like this guy usually say, what you prefer. Coaches that tell you there is only one correct to do things with clearly accepted variations (like the hook) will make you stiff and never develop your own style.

[@elbalsero4428]

Jon Bravo u are 100% right

[@dannyerives4073]

You mean, 'don't listen to the OLYMPIAN pro-boxer" lol

[@davidbourne1613]

What a great channel, no bullshit, no waffle and no wasted time just good advice. Thank you.

[@zius2140]

This channel is pure quality. I kinda don't want others to find out about this, but at the same time i want everyone to see this channel :')

[@chop-daresistance7514]

That's how we show our support.. his wife Sarah has a youtube channel as well about treating injuries.. she's a nurse.. check it out 💪🥊

[@darthpunk3510]

Definitely one of the best boxing channels on KZbin 💪

[@goldfinger0069]

@Gilbert Gonzales You’re not a champion so don’t speak for them

[@dwaynecunningham2164]

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!! SAME!!!

[@DanMasterBlaster]

Tony, you’re a legend thank you! I feel very privileged that you did this video and gave me a shout out. My boys we’re impressed! As you said it’s been a question debated for ages and is continuously debated and seems to be a very divisive subject. I’m 42 and still box with my 3 boys of 22, 12 and 7 and we all enjoyed this video. Their coach for the amateurs will only allow them to hook to the head with a horizontal palm because in amateur boxing, apparently a vertical fist strike to the head is not permitted. I personally prefer the vertical fist for the reasons that you mentioned and also it’s easy to transition from a left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the head with less wrist movement. I also find if my timing and distance is slightly out with the head hook I can hurt my wrist with a horizontal fist and I have no injury issues with a vertical fist. When you watch professional boxing, the vast majority of knockouts you see are with a vertical fist. It seems to me that in the amateur arena the horizontal fist dominates and at professional it moves to vertical fist, perhaps due to the more strict rules in amateur and more relaxed laws at pro level. Thanks again, great video as always!

[@olovikka]

I also learnt the thumb down hook back in the day and I still find it very good. Gets me more power to the punch. Sounds silly but try and find out. Also gets more easily behind the opponent's glove.

[@christos1698]

Thumb ub. Less risk to break the hand (very important in bare knuckle fights)

[@asahearts1]

for that i give you the thumbs up

[@aiyahuntacheimumbi236]

@@asahearts1 😂😂😂👍

[@zhichaoshen184]

is thumb up easier to hurt the wrist？i hurt my wrist in that position

[@TTime685]

Unless you graze the top of the head with your ring and pinky knuckles..

[@aiyahuntacheimumbi236]

@@TTime685 That would be just as bad or worse with Thumb in tho lol

[@joshuajamesbrittain33]

I bought your boxing drills package, and it was worth every penny. I really like your energy and enthusiasm, and the way you explain each technique with masterful simplicity. I also appreciate the quarantine deal you offered for your content, it saved me a lot of money, thank you. I will definitely be purchasing more of your videos when I have more funds. Again, thank you for putting out this content!

[@Tony_Jeffries]

What is your style when throwing the hook - thumb in or thumb up? Comment down Below!! Watch next: Top 3 BOXING Footwork Drills to Improve you as a BOXER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH29aoiYatuUa9k

[@DrRepper]

Turned over, thumb in: gets the elbow up and the forearm straight through the line of the punch, way more efficient power transfer. Thumb up on a shovel hook.

[@shital_nisal12]

I like to throw hook as yhumb in

[@redhurricane24]

I started throwing the hooks with the thumb up, but they would look like I throw them too slow and wide. With throwing them thumb in, I feel there's less telegraphed movements from me.

[@shaneclark9657]

Thumb up

[@justinkillough5000]

I feel like thumb to you will give you more surface area upon contact but thumb up has a bit more power from the way your arms are built to be in that position

[@mickmullaney1970]

Such an excellent channel, Tony. Any punch is a tool to be used and adapted for a specific purpose. It is easy to sprain your thumb by punching (thumb facing inwards) and catching opponents forearm. By turning the thumb up, it stops this happening and your glove fits better into the gap made by opponents block. Thank you very much. Please keep up the great work.

[@josephcrowe2908]

Exactly. I threw a left hook the other day and didnt turn the fist. Made solid contact and ended the fight but i paid for it for a week.

[@dannytq]

This has been on my mind recently as I joined a gym which taught it with thumbs towards. Thank you for this! Hands down the best boxing instructional channel on KZbin. Tony is an amazing coach. 👍

[@bumpyroad3251]

I use to do it thumbs up for many years and it works for me, now I go to a new gym where the trainer always corrects me that I should do it thumbs down and it feels really uncomfortable. Good trainers like Tony are a blessing.

[@rxge.edxts.]

For Short range I throw with the vertical fist and when I throw at Long range I Throw with Horizontal Fist

[@sugarray1345]

Absolutely bro. Me too.

[@lam1736]

Wassup takamura san

[@TheAtmousphere]

I do the same, it just depends on the distance and angle.

[@SpinningGary]

Ayy Takamura!

[@bingsoo9559]

I’ve never thought of it that way, Thank you

[@patrykarciszewski5495]

Definitely thumb up 👍. The reason is that hitting bag with "thumb in", people have tendency to hit with a greater stress on a second "pointing" finger and it leads straight to injuries around wrist and the finger I mentioned. Hitting with thumb up not only keeps wrist tight but also "force" to hit with a whole fist.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks Patryk for leaving a comment - this helps the channel

[@danhiggins5393]

Thank you! In 20+ years of coaching I’ve followed the advice of whoever happened to be teaching the course at the time. Canada came under the influence in the 70s of an Eastern Block coach who’d come up in the Soviet system. When I boxed and for the first years as a coach I took that European teaching as gospel. Later on I started getting tips from old pros, and my ideas began to change. I swear, I’ve gone through at least 5 different methods of throwing the left hook. I finally took the advice of an old pro, who said “do what feels comfortable”. Thank you for reinforcing that advice.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks for sharing Dan mate

[@sikderafsarul9619]

​@@Tony_Jeffries you are great. I have started learning boxing by watching you. Keep it up mate!❤

[@unidaspandemia9936]

To be honest, the origin of the universe and wheter to put up or straight your thump during a lead hook, are both the main question I always do my self when I´m in existencialist mood.

[@martinyourn8943]

I watched a lot of your videos Tony and what led me to subscribe today was you saying "Whatever you prefer!" I've been doing boxing and martial arts since 1978 and you saying those three words tells me you really know your stuff. Traditional techniques are essential for a beginner, but as you gain experience, you develop your own unique personal style that works for you.

[@h.b1908]

I was always taught thumb in, and land with the two big knuckles

[@Oldschooldan1]

While out to dinner one night, I asked this same question to Bill Superfoot Wallace, first undefeated middleweight kickboxing champ of the world. He gave me the same answer as you. He said both were correct and he just preferred to throws his hooks thumb in. My question and our talk at dinner got me 3 hours as his helper or personal punching bag at his kickboxing seminar the next day. I’ve been lucky enough to have trained and sparred with quite a few pros over the years, but that was the highlight of my amateur kickboxing career. You have a great channel Tony, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@jasonduncan5129]

You the man. I’ve always felt that this came to preference but people are so dogmatic about which technique is correct. For me personally my shoulder is prone to injury and I always felt thumb up was best for me. Thanks for the video, great explanation.

[@JAvellino669]

Thank you for this! The gyms I've been at have both given me a hard time about throwing hooks with my thumb up. One even restricted me from sparring and the heavy bag until I "learned to turn over my hook." It is far more comfortable for me to throw it thumb up. It's really more of a 45° angle, but it's what works with my anatomy. After 2 surgeries to my left shoulder, I gave up on making the trainers happy, and went with what felt best.

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

Thanks Tony!!! I always thought it came down to preference not one size fits all. After many years training my first try with thumb in I thought a serious shoulder injury happened on my lead hand. It's cool if others like using it but not for me. I totally understand how thumb up on a long range hook could be misconstrued as a slap but I was always told hooks are and inside range strike so never had the slapping issue. Thanks for taking the time to address this highly debated topic Tony!

[@Tony_Jeffries]

More to come mate.. just comment in my videos if you got any video request or questions about boxing

[@epthal]

Hi! just stumbled upon your youtube channel when I'm searching for a footwork drill for beginners. I'm training to box for health and change of lifestyle. My trainer told me that whenever setting up for hook, it's better to have your thumbs facing up rather than facing towards you due to some implications that can lead to an injury especially when you're just starting from boxing but at the same time, he said that after months of training, you can feel it out again since the trainee will have the correct boxing stance and form. Also, thank you for the knowledge!

[@billschmidt4192]

I feel so much more comfortable with the " Thumbs Up" way. That is how, I was Taught.

[@stephenjones1178]

I came into boxing after years as a martial artist. In martials arts it was elbow high so thumb facing you. In sparring I like both but in larger gloves and especially on heavier bags it has always been thumb up. I totally agree about the risk of injury being higher with thumb in but I do believe its the larger gloves that change things. You gave a great answer without giving an answer, superb video thank-you.

[@MM-lp5pp]

Both hooks are effective and it also depends on how the boxer is built (biomechanics) etc. I can punch hard to a hard solid heavy bag because I have strong bones not because of muscles etc.. Foreman and Shavers had strong bones same as Hearns those guys could punch both hooks as their bones wouldn’t suffer. Thumb up also goes from the bicep and the other one more from the front shoulder.

[@MM-lp5pp]

@Therealdonaldtrump trump if you know what are you talking, Ive damaged pinky knuckle only in the street, never ever with the glove!

[@MM-lp5pp]

@Therealdonaldtrump trump in your own world...

[@DisRuptMedia]

What a fantastic video Coach, I love the answer. Perfect!

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thank you 🙏🏼 means

[@rekware9320]

He'd be unassuming in real life. I bet he's had heaps of clowns try and take him without knowing he's legit. He's sensible and professional enough to probably never let it escalulate to him flicking the wrist out and knocking a joker out.

[@nikolasavic1242]

Tony. You are great. i always have this dillemma. hook is my favorite punch😃😃😃😃 my opinion on this topic is that the position of the fist is based on the reach of the opponent. if i fire the short hook, when my opponent is real close to me,in a range just outside uppercut, it feels more natural to me to throw the hook with the thumbs up. this way generate more power then with the thumb facing me. but when i throw a longer punch, a little bit shorter than a jab, it feels more natural to throw it with thumb facing my face. greetings from republika srpska/bosnia and hercegovina

[@Tony_Jeffries]

See my video on this mate

[@elmortalsoldier1393]

Would you ever make a video about a lot of different styles of guards and their pros and cons? Like the one with the high guard, but with multiple guards in a video

[@Tony_Jeffries]

I’ve actually just done this and it will be available next week

[@louisl1616]

There is one

[@jerickesparza1728]

The more I watch your channel the more I like it. You are a true professional. Thank you.

[@mermerac]

Best Coach on YT.

[@Truthseeker97918]

Hands down the best boxing channel on KZbin....Period

[@blayne9182]

Thanks so much Tony you've helped my boxing tremendously I highly recommend this channel

[@danteferreira6791]

Finally a Channel With quality tips in boxing

[@KK-cr8eo]

Hey Tony! Thanks for your videos. A few questions to you. 1) what do you think about a nap or a panch with the thumb up? Punch my be uncomfortable but a "vertical" Jab lands exactly between the gloves of the opponent. 2) Should a novice boxer train both stances from the beginning or get good in the natural stance and then try to switch h for the southpaw/regular? 3)Could you please share you thouths on neck, jaw and hands exercises? Greeting from Russia

[@koosvanjaarsveld3852]

Great answer to many people having this question. Thumb towards me feels very uncomfortable but people say that is the "right" way. Thanks

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Which on do you personally prefer mate?

[@koosvanjaarsveld3852]

@@Tony_Jeffries defenitely thumb up. My wrist tends to bend when I go thumb towards me. Thanks for the comment and your videos. I think I've watched all of them👍

[@ispitmygumonthesidewalk9753]

I do thumbs down when doing hooks upstairs but going downstairs I do thumbs up. This is what naturally feels comfortable for me

[@ricardoh87]

same

[@joaojordao6411]

Yap same

[@thenathancraig7]

Same

[@ish2593]

Same. I also feel thumbs down helps me stay with my shoulder protecting my left chin side. Thumbs up it’s easier to get lazy and drop your shoulder

[@danhiggins5393]

It can help to get overtop of a low right hand if you turn the thumb down. I teach a jab-hook combo that works well that way

[@falarz07]

The absolut best boxing channel in this platform

[@robertthemutant9355]

i've been throwing my hooks with my thumb towards me lately as i figured this would put less pressure on the biceps to avoid possible distal bicep ruptures. those are nasty af and i have seen it happen a few times in boxing when throwing a wide hook this way, thoughts? also great video, my favourite boxing channel.

[@jrg5315]

That makes sense

[@JD-nu7hy]

Ure so right! I'm 3 months post bicep rupture throwing a lazy thumb up rear hook in a match. Thumb toward me from now on

[@robertthemutant9355]

@@JD-nu7hy same happened to my brother, speedy recovery

[@kramoo]

Of all the boxing gyms I have been to , they have never taught this. This is very good informational channel.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thank u Kevin, means alot mate

[@jamesbromwell5522]

Hi Tony, love the videos. Could you do one about switch-hitting, about setting it up and the timing around it?

[@doctorbea]

Absolutley one of the best boxing channels on all of KZbin! Tony, you are solid gold, sir!

[@princehamdan8826]

Hello how are you doing? I'm prince hamdan. Crown prince of Dubai.

[@BlackSpineHorror]

I've been experimenting with palm down. I feel it teaches me to keep that elbow up. I've noticed Freddy Roach teaches that way, and GGG uses it as well.

[@danplasma]

Freddy and Andy Nance, teach the real hook with the hand rotating into thumb down position, I still prefer thumb up and I land all four knuckles every time with the long lead hook, or at any range....no slap, innit? Yo tony you got mad torque brother, lethal hook, what do you British dudes mean when you call someone a “dosser”? I know what a pikey and Chav is, please translate “dosser” for us yanks, thanks

[@meridio4441]

Personally i think thumb down is stronger but will cause some injuries later on...

[@nicklesm202]

if your elbow isnt parallel to your shoulder you get no power out of it

[@rollandb1767]

Love your answer. This is the same answer that I teach my clients. At first I teach them thumb up, but later on will show them thumb towards them. I tell them to try both and see what works for them. Personally I prefer thumb up because I get a lot more power, but because of a shoulder injury, I've had to start doing thumb towards me. Otherwise, it aggravates my shoulder a lot.

[@radu9158]

I use the thumb up hook on my lead hand only I like the sound of it when you connect that punch with someones face 😂 Great video tho keep going 🔥🔥

[@JeepnJ89]

Thank you for this, I have a trainer that loves the thumb facing in method. Not my thing and I dent the bag using thumb up. I will stick with what's comfortable. Thanks again!

[@hectorarrivillaga5090]

Big fan of yours bruv! my question is if you are born a southpaw should you hide the fact that you are in a fight, or should you nurture your natural style and reveal that instantly

[@coreykmvy1980]

Thumb towards me feels a bit more powerful to me and I’m glad to hear you say whatever feels comfortable so I don’t have to change lol!

[@TheBPJo]

I personally learned my preference the hard way. I was a bit sloppy in sparring after a long training session and went for a long left hook, thumb in. Unfortunately I hit my sparring partners elbow and broke my thumb. It hurt like a mfer but I still continued, because I didn't realise then that it was this bad :D

[@stillchaos]

I really like the answer to this question. When I want my punches to be faster. I don't turn my thumb over. I just keep it up or vertical facing the wall not the floor.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Krotosftw]

I'm from Eastern Europe, we still have the Soviet boxing style, so the hook will be in 90% of cases with the thumb inside. I tried to hit with my thumb up, but my wrist hurts terribly.

[@dajozale7010]

I wouldn't say "Soviet" style Slavic ,from the bare Knuckle days ,gloves changed everything .hook punches the thumb should be aiming down as if you are pouring a mug of beer out.

[@billycatch4088]

source was CCCP ..soviet

[@dajozale7010]

@@billycatch4088 that implies that the communist regime invented it. Slavics have used that type of punch long before as well as all bareknuckle boxers from before the gloved era. I just like to make sure,communists and Russians aren't thought of as hand in hand anymore than Germans and Nazis..sorry for the rant.

[@spencerthomas609]

I like to throw thumb up. I've always found it easier to get that little whip on the end of the hook this way. There is a fantastic video from tom yankello with roy jones jr showing the benefits of throwing it this way. That said, watch the way GGG throws his hooks (thumb in) with crazy power!

[@pr0k1ll]

How to increase reaction for counter punches and how to balance when you throwing back hand hook

[@sagidsaleh9896]

For reaction The double end bag is golden and has personally helped me immensely. For rear hooks I had that problem as well but found that when I rotate and sit down on my back leg more I had way more balance

[@estebanarias8481]

I always do thumb-up - is safer for 2 reasons. a) The wrist alignment is better which means less chance of hurting your wrist, and b) thumb-up ensures you are making contact with the index and middle knuckles which are the stronger, this means less chance of breaking your knuckles. Just a humble opinion

[@MisterVolts]

Solid opinion. And yes, every punch (ideally) should land only on the strikers first two knuckles. We used to call that "Ram's horns" at the Hapkido academy 🤜

[@BIGGLEdarrigle]

The longer the hook I throw, the more I turn my hand. Short hook = thumb up, medium = thumb to me, long hook= thumb down

[@Greko-grb]

Thumb down is an easy way to get injured fast. I have seen a guy crack his wrist on another guy’s head doing a lead hook with the thumb down.

[@mhh8072]

The man brother tony. I feel more comfortable with thumb down. And like you mentioned bro the turning of your hook with the hand gives it a great snap and it feels sharp for me. Thank you bro.

[@massaman90]

Hi Tony, thank you for this video, very helpful. I have a question: I find it hard to generate enough power to bounce back to my initial position right after a jab to stay out of reach. Do you have any exercises, video or tips for me to work on?

[@wladynoszhighlights5989]

Footwork

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thumb Up Healthier for the shoulder as No Internal Rotation of the shoulder (bad mechanics). Thanks for your advice/video.

[@katolee6070]

I tell me students when they ask this to me, that it depends on the distance from where you throw the hook.. long distance with thump up and is also easier to reach around the guard.. close distance thump towards yourself for short hook while putting full weight behind it...

[@thomaskirsz5903]

Question for a video: how to maintain balance when slipping, rolling, pivoting and even being “on the move” generally

[@Boxingfitnessacademy]

Hey I work for Tony, and he told me to find all the best requests. Screen shot them and send to him.... I will make sure he creates this video for you. Press the bell 🛎 and turn on notifications on Tony’s YT channel so you don’t miss it

[@alibellamine5337]

Thanks for the videos tony i will hopefully play in 2024 olymics if god wills it i love your videos

[@damien_bazile]

All the best brother 🙏 See you there in Paris 🤞

[@Klik-Klak83]

what country do fight box for?

[@alibellamine5337]

@@Klik-Klak83 i am from tunisia brother

[@alibellamine5337]

@@damien_bazile thank you my brother

[@mrfern7592]

How old are u? Good luck see you there

[@JandenHale]

Best explanation I've seen yet. I tell people to do whatever one they want.

[@JandenHale]

By the way, I also do thumb up.

[@aplus1080]

"Whatever feels most comfortable to you" Ok. So let kick and run? Got it.

[@user-pd9ju5dk5s]

kick, slap, screech, and scram

[@dlouzan1]

I totally agree and actually say the same thing when I teach it....it is a preference.....but biomechanically it's now been proven (by much cleverer people than me) that you get more power from thumb up because you also engage the bicep, lat and shoulder when throwing it and it's also less of a strain on the shoulder.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

thanks for sharing mate

[@Klik-Klak83]

hey would love a video in how to eat while getting in shape for boxing not for cutting weight but how to eat while training

[@allanh7137]

I was taught that they both have their use. The palm down is with wraps and gloves and creates a small profile so it can sneak through the block easier. The thumb up provides more wrist stability.

[@abtinamani1047]

Use thumb down hook when you want to throw a hook in close range and thumb up when you are in a longer distance

[@Toothpick_Bill45]

Awesome video as usual Coach! Would you please produce a video for us Older Boxers who are in the Masters Division? I, along with many many others in the boxing world who are getting in to boxing late in life could really use a quality instructional from a Coach who knows what they are talking about to help us along in the sport we love so much. Thanks again for all the work you do in producing these awesome, informative videos on the Sweet Science of Boxing!

[@Boxingfitnessacademy]

Hey I work for Tony, and he told me to find all the best requests. Screen shot them and send to him.... I will make sure he creates this video for you. Press the bell 🛎 and turn on notifications on Tony’s YT channel so you don’t miss it

[@Alckemy]

If you throw your shoulder first then thumb down. You shouldn’t throw your shoulder first to which it doesn’t matter. Can also throw a hook with your elbow down if someone likes to bob n weave. Also, not to flame the uploaded but you’re all shoulder in your hooks. Use your body and hit from center

[@skip741x3]

Palm in, thumb up will allow the maximum delivery of power to the contact area in the safest manner...to each his own though...those who prefer palm down try throwing that hook with full power on a 200lb bag... experiment with both ways and you will quickly see which way delivers the power to the target without causing you injury...you decide

[@richardgillies9160]

If you take the gloves off the thumb direction is relevant to range and lining up the front two knuckles with the fore arm and elbow. Close in it is thumb up, the front two knuckles align to the forearm, further out and they do not have support behind them At the point where they are no longer supported by the arm rotate the fist 90 degrees so thumb is in and you will find the front two knuckles are again supported by the forearm. Move it out a bit further and again the knuckles stop being supported. At this final distance rotate the thumb so it is inverted 45 degrees so thumb down and you will find the two knuckles are again aligned. Hope this makes sense.

[@thebadgersdenvaletudoclub6254]

You're a solid boxing coach. I love your videos. It's the little things that make a world's difference. Your attention to detail reminds me of my first coach. Love the content my man 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ Shalom from McAllen Texas area. Wishing you much success with your channel and gym etc.

[@DamonMedekMusic]

I think thumb towards you is better because the full rotation engages the internal pecs more. The opposite shoulder pecs and shoulder is better connected too.

[@NealSinclair]

Got a bad shoulder so changed to thumb up totally agree both work well so it’s personal preference

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Which one do you use the most now?

[@andresausecha9553]

This must be one of the most debated questions in boxing, both are good in my opinion. Thumb up is good for long range leaping hooks, but thumb is much more effective for short distance.

[@darrenwood6520]

i grew up boxing.. My uncle was my trainer. He grew up boxing as well. He taught me palm down on my left hook. I am right handed, but my left hook was my bread and butter. I felt more comfortable throwing the hook than i did my straight right . When someone told me i needed to turn my thumb up and throw the hook, it felt way awkward for me. I tried it in a sparring session, but i did not like it . Its really what you feel more comfortable with. Either way, you can KO someone ( or get Kod).

[@user-re6tn3oz9u]

I agree i throw with the up Feels more natural & can generate more power also easier to throw from the jab

[@kosachilles2504]

I have been sitting on this question in my head for years. Thanks man!!

[@Cloppa2000]

Absolutely! Also depends on target, angle and range.

[@JoshuaAlexander-lk7ky]

Thank you so much for clearing it up. I feel that thumb towards myself is when the target is further away and in mid or close range, thumb up. I thought it was a natural reaction to distance and timing. I personally like thumb up. I don’t want to think about rotating hand if someone attacks me in the street. Do a video on the corkscrew hook Bruce Lee used.

[@brianodonnell1384]

Good stuff coach. Thumbs up, also engages the bicep, which is added power.

[@Hsound]

Great videos ! In Self-defence (don't laugh), we strike thumb up because without gloves you have less chance to hurt yourself that way. Greetings from Belgium 👍

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks mate, Do you also box? which one do you prefer for boxing?

[@Hsound]

@@Tony_Jeffries I'm also doing Kick boxing and I prefer the thumb up because I was tought like that... The only difficulties with the thumb up for the beginners is that you have to get a perfect alignment of your wrist and forearm if you not want to hurt you 😄 Sorry for my bad English, I'm from Belgium, French side...

[@SangerZonvolt]

I see your thumbs up/inward position and raise you: Thumb downwards positon. This is somehow what I end up doing most of the time since my hooks always tend to be thrown at a longer distance than would be ideal, so it ends up kinda like an overheadpunch. One of these days I will probably hurt my elbow real bad because it locks out when I stretch my arm too far. But so far it seems to work somewhat in hitting around the block from a safer distance.

[@petervella]

Interesting podcast Tony! Many thanks from Australia!

[@SThrillz]

Just an amateur here but I do both and I think it comes down to distance and position and what you plan on doing after throwing the punch. I go thumbs up if it's close from a wide stance usually followed by a right body shot, mid range is more of a corkscrew usually followed by a straight right or step back then straight right so I find it situational. Thumbs up mid-range for me is usually a set up not intended to cause much damage I have tried but just find it weird to throw 😓

[@danocatster]

Exactly as I did it. First learned the palm down. Then switched to thumb up. Can throw it hard with no worries.

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

Thanks 🙏🏽 for sharing your insight on this particular matter ☺️

[@tacticalchunder1207]

I’ve been doing it with thumb towards me but on trying out thumb up it actually feels more natural and powerful to me.

[@PenNamed]

I just practiced a few punches with both forms and I've gotta say the difference in strain on the shoulder is more pronounced than I thought. I wouldn't say it would make or break a match, but the thumbs up puts less strain and feels like I could throw it faster and more repeatedly.

[@shadowscreamer1]

I feel i get more power generation with the thumb up and less strain on my shoulder. Also consider how the wrist moves…you have more forgiveness and muscles for stability with the thumb up and less chances of a wrist injury

[@gabrielportillo1896]

Jeffrie u the best I use the boxing stance & defense for my Kung Fu & martial arts practice

[@tgunz26]

In the past I tried to buy into the thumb facing up hook but over time the outside of my wrist starts getting carpel tunnel pain, because too much force is transfer from the pinky and ring knuckles down to the wrist. What works best for me is half way 45deg between the two version. so the first two knuckles makes contact, and the muscles in the thumb side of the fist help absorb and transfer the force down to wrist and forearm with less chance of injury.

[@บักบอย-บ6ฝ]

I from thailand,I can speak a little eng, but you teach so good 👍✨

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks mate! - You can check all my videos here: kzbin.infovideos

[@JoshSmith222]

This question opened up a weeks long debate at a gym I attended several years ago. Both sides were represented but in general it seemed that thumb up creates more leverage, the bones in the arm are more in alignment to generate power that way, but thumbs towards the face is easier/quicker to get off. When hooking to the body, consensus was that thumb up was the way to go. It feels awkward and depleted in impact otherwise. As Tony says, if you spend significant time training hooking to the head in one or the other format, you'll feel more comfortable that way, Established boxers had learned both versions though.

[@DrRepper]

Nah, not true about bone alignment: turned over and thumb in your elbow is up in line with the shoulder and your whole arm is and shoulders are rotating dead in line with the punch. Thumb up the tendency is for the elbow to drop on short hooks, which means your hook is as strong as your bicep.

[@JoshSmith222]

​@@DrRepper Interesting opinion. I disagree. For me it clicks in when I turn my thumb up. Wrist, fist, forearm, bicep and upper chest become more engaged creating a stronger tension and durability for digging. Thumb down feels possibly a bit quicker but with much less ballast. Maybe it's because I trained that way. Most of the classic one punch left hook KO's I've seen in boxing are thumb up though.

[@NoahTorres-b8s]

Can you do a video with jab combos leading into the hooks and foot movement not only while throwing the combo but evasive movement going in and out?

[@ssonicdeafmonkey]

Lead hand hook I tend to throw thumb in but rear hand I go thumb up. I do agree that thumb up feels better but I also noticed I could add more variation to the way I'm throwing the lead hook thumb in.

[@cylok2871]

In general I prefer thumb up for a short hook and thumb facing towards you for a medium range hook. and almost thumb down and hitting with the first knuckle for a long lead hook, similar to an overhand shot

[@BerzerkdaCanadianBeaver]

I agree what ever is comfortable but also they seem like they're different strikes of the same kind. What I mean by the is maybe they're best used for different situations. Thumb to the side delivers more power but requires extra movements so slightly slower punch. Thumb up great for quick punches in combos

[@Birkulumiste7]

Both are good in different positions. Close hook: thumb up. Distance hook: thumb side. Hard hooks on bag: thumb up. Multiple hooks same arm: thumb up. Your back arm hard hook at opponent: thumb at side and a little from above swing.

[@Tony_Jeffries]

Thanks for sharing mate.

[@Birkulumiste7]

@@Tony_Jeffries you are welcome my friend.

[@Birkulumiste7]

@@Tony_Jeffries do you agree with my perspective?

[@BabylonPhonetics_11]

The inward thumb technique can mess with elbow movement, and if you raise your elbow you will lose power and telegraph more; however both seem to work situationally, thumb up for fast close power shots, thumb in for more of a reaching hook