Lacking power and momentum with hooks

[DugzBoxing]

When I hit the heavy bag I feel as though my right hook is weak but on the pads it is much harder. I also want to know about how I can bob and weave and come up with a killer hook. I am easing of my left hook due to a wrist injury (I posted about this a couple of days ago).

I am terrible defensively and lack finesse when parrying jabs and backhand punches. I just need to look and approach punches my way faster.

I am trying to focus on using the power in my legs. I have played football (soccer) for most of my life so I hold some power in my legs.

Basically I'd say I have natural power and speed but it's about getting the most out of these abilities because I am keen to work at it. I train a lot of days and any drills you can recommend I will try at home and build upon these skills in the gym.

I am 18, 19 in a couple of months if this matters.

[JayID]

Make sure that when you connect with the hook you are simultaneously shifting your weight from your front foot to the back. If orthodox and throwing the left hook, shift your weight from left foot to right foot. If throwing the right hook it's opposite. Shift your weight from right foot to left foot(back to front) The completion of the weight shift should be at exactly the same that you connect with the target.

I think people forget how important this weight shift is to generate power. Hooks are the most difficult punch to master in terms of technique. Anyone can throw a straight punch with correct technique after a couple of days. It takes months/years to learn how to get that snap in your left hook.

Make sure to practise all different types of hooks also:

Check hook (Mayweather/ Muhammad Ali
Gazelle hook (See Henry Armstrong/Joe frazier),
Tight infighting hooks (Roberto Duran/Henry armstrong)
Liver shots: (Gerald McClellan/Mike McCallum)
Hook off the jab: (Lennox Lewis/Alexis Argüello
Wide over the top hooks (see Maidana/GGG for example)

For overall "how to throw a power hook" just take a closer look at Mike tyson, Tommy morrison, Sugar ray robinson. Joe Frazier.

Make sure you are mixing to the Body/head also.

[OctoberRed]

Make sure that when you connect with the hook you are simultaneously shifting your weight from your front foot to the back. If orthodox and throwing the left hook, shift your weight from left foot to right foot. If throwing the right hook it's opposite. Shift your weight from right foot to left foot(back to front) The completion of the weight shift should be at exactly the same that you connect with the target.

I think people forget how important this weight shift is to generate power. Hooks are the most difficult punch to master in terms of technique. Anyone can throw a straight punch with correct technique after a couple of days. It takes months/years to learn how to get that snap in your left hook.

Make sure to practise all different types of hooks also:

Check hook (Mayweather/ Muhammad Ali
Gazelle hook (See Henry Armstrong/Joe frazier),
Tight infighting hooks (Roberto Duran/Henry armstrong)
Liver shots: (Gerald McClellan/Mike McCallum)
Hook off the jab: (Lennox Lewis/Alexis Argüello
Wide over the top hooks (see Maidana/GGG for example)

For overall "how to throw a power hook" just take a closer look at Mike tyson, Tommy morrison, Sugar ray robinson. Joe Frazier.

Make sure you are mixing to the Body/head also.

Some of those are good to practice on those plastic fake body hitting devices.

[greynotsoold]

Technically, you turn your weight and your hips through ahead of your hands. The weight is on your right foot well before the left fist reaches the target.

What is a "gazelle hook"? I started spending way too much time in boxing gyms in 1974 and have never heard that one.

[OctoberRed]

What is a "gazelle hook"? I started spending way too much time in boxing gyms in 1974 and have never heard that one.

Been wondering that myself.

[HeadBodyBodyBody]

Technically, you turn your weight and your hips through ahead of your hands. The weight is on your right foot well before the left fist reaches the target.

What is a "gazelle hook"? I started spending way too much time in boxing gyms in 1974 and have never heard that one.

Been wondering that myself.

i wonder if he means a leaping left hook ? a la RJJ

[JayID]

Technically, you turn your weight and your hips through ahead of your hands. The weight is on your right foot well before the left fist reaches the target.

What is a "gazelle hook"? I started spending way too much time in boxing gyms in 1974 and have never heard that one.

I suppose the best way to describe it would be a leaping left hook from a crouch. Differs slightly from RJJ leaping hook as i believe RJJ did most of his leaping hooks from an upright position. As mentioned above Henry armstrong is a great example. Used it very well to close the distance. I've heard a few people use the phrase but I'm sure it's not the most common one. Just the one that I personally use.

[PsychoPat]

You've got to practise bumming more.

[Redd Foxx]

The key to the hook is the shifting of weight along with the rotation of the shoulders and hips. What helped me develop true power in the left hook was to throw a straight right, then to focus on rotating the right shoulder back while the left comes forward. It's not individual rotations. It's about the axis. The body staying centered while the center turns. The feet/legs are critical for generating the power while you do this. Once you get it right, you start feeling what true power is about.

The right hook is not the same kind of punch, even though it seems like it would be. It doesn't come from the same place, isn't set up the same, and doesn't have the same potential for power. Use the right when opportunities show themselves but don't worry about it being a powerful punch. It's more about capitalizing on openings and/or breaking the guard.