Issue 104
August 2013
An in-depth, foolproof lesson in landing KO-catching, liver-troubling left hooks
PETE IRVING
Pete Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert
The hook is the punch that comes from the side, delivered to the body or head. Here we examine the hook from the lead hand, which is the left hook for an orthodox fighter.
HAND, ELBOW AND SHOULDER ALIGNMENT
The proper mechanics behind the three forms of the left hook.
SHORT HOOK
For a good, solid, close-range hook, the elbow should drive the punch. The arm should be horizontal, shoulder and elbow should be behind the fist with the forearm at 90-degrees to the upper arm. The fist should be vertically aligned.
LONG HOOK
For a long hook that will sneak past the guard if the right hand is low or away from the face, the elbow can be a little higher, and the fist rotated so that the top two knuckles land on the jaw or temple. Although an effective punch, this position gives a greater risk of injury to the hand, wrist and shoulder of the puncher, especially with the limited protection of a 4oz glove and regulation hand wraps.
BODY PUNCH
The left hook to the body targets the liver. By rotating the fist slightly upwards and tucking the elbow to the hip, you can drive your fist upwards and inwards, with the knuckles tucking under the floating rib. The liver shot is effective at taking the wind out of your opponent, and can cause a TKO.
EXAMPLE: DALEY VS. SMITH, STRIKEFORCE: HENDERSON VS. BABALU II, 2010
Paul Daley laid out Scott Smith with a beautifully timed left hook as Smith rushed him in the first round of their Strikeforce clash back in December 2010.
COMMON ERRORS
COCKING THE HAND
Winding the hand back will signal your intention to throw the hook and open a channel for the opponent to beat you to the punch with a direct right straight.
ARM PUNCHING
Arm punching is deriving muscular power from the shoulders and arms, and leads to rapid fatigue and slower, weaker punches. A left hook without drive from the legs has very little on it.
POOR HAND CONNECTIONS
Particularly because of the design of MMA gloves, the thumb is vulnerable if the hand connects incorrectly with the opponent’s skull or elbow.
OVER ROTATION
Twisting through the punch is a good idea, but if you commit too much you may upset your balance and be unable to follow up with your next strike, or should you miss the target you may momentarily lose sight of your opponent and leave yourself vulnerable to a counter.
DRILL: HEAVY BAG WORK
Muay Thai legend Ramon Dekkers developed his knockout power not with weights or bands, but simply by throwing hundreds of hooks at the heavy bag day in, day out. Try it yourself, focusing on proper form and ironing out any defects.
TIPS
1 If you lead with the left hook, dip the right shoulder forward a little, or fake the right cross to set up the rotation.
2 Drive off the floor, twisting the foot and hip to power the punch with the legs. All the arm should do is move from the guard position to punching position and back.
3 The arm should be relaxed, then squeeze the fist upon impact for a strong connection.
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