Session 2: Hook shot/Tactics

The hook shot is a very attacking shot in boxing, it is used to damage the opponent with a clean connection would score points for them. Although it is an attacking shot, if thrown and missed your opponent may be able to throw a counter punch, this is because it leaves you open once you’ve thrown the shot. In boxing, the hook shot is known more as a power shot where you are trying to cause damage to your opponent by trying to hit him to the ground and ultimately trying to finish your opponent off. As well as this, the hook wont always knock your opponent to the mat, but you still get points for a clean connection.
1) From the boxing stance, the first action is a bend (or ‘drop’) of the knees. This is covered in the article on ducking.
2) As the duck is taking place, there is an explosive thrust from the ball of the front foot. This explosive thrust generates a clockwise rotation of the hips and upper body.
3) As the rotation of the hips is taking place, the lead arm is accelerated toward the target. The arm should hold a given form depending upon how far the fist must travel to the target. So, if the target is at true close range, then the arm should undertake only minimal movement. If the target is at mid range, then the arm will ‘arc’ more and result in an ‘L’ shape at point of impact.
4) The rotation of the upper body must deliver plenty of torque to direct the most power possible to the target whilst remaining totally in control. At the end of the rotation the fist clenches and impacts the target.
5) After the shot has landed, the arm returns to the guard position and the boxing stance is returned to normal.