Boxing Lead Hook
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves
Primary muscle group
Deltoids, Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii
Secondary muscle groups
Obliques, Gluteals, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Rotational Horizontal Push
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, General Athletic Development
Overview
Purpose. Deliver a powerful close-range punch on a horizontal arc using rotation rather than arm swing.
How it fits the system. The primary lateral punch in the Combat Sports section, and the third punch of most standard combinations. Related work in the library: Boxing Rear Hook and Boxing 1-2-3 Combination.
Primary muscles
Deltoids, Pectoralis Major, Triceps Brachii
Secondary muscles
Obliques, Gluteals, Quadriceps, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Rotational Horizontal Push
Equipment
Hand Wraps, Boxing Gloves
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- From the stance, pivot the lead foot and rotate the lead hip and shoulder towards the target.
- Keep the elbow bent at roughly ninety degrees with the forearm horizontal or slightly angled.
- Let the rotation carry the fist through the target rather than reaching with the arm.
- Recover the hand directly back to the guard and re-square the feet.
Coaching Cues
- “Turn on the front foot like standing on a plate.”
- “Elbow stays at the same height as the fist.”
- “Keep the rear hand glued to the cheek.”
Common Mistakes
- Swinging the arm wide, which telegraphs the punch and reduces force.
- Dropping the elbow so the punch becomes a slap.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add a lead hook to the body, then a hook off a slip, then a double hook high-low.
Regressions
Practise the foot pivot and hip rotation with the hand held in place.
When to Use It
When to use
Technical rounds, pad work and bag work in a striking session.
When not to use
Hand, wrist or shoulder injury, or any suspected concussion.
Programming
3–5 rounds of 2–3 minutes, 60 seconds rest between rounds.
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