Hook punch is a boxing, close-range punching method, hook punch is usually combined with straight punches or swing punches to form a combination punch to attack the opponent.
1. Flat hook
(1) Left flat hook (Figure 29)
Essentials: Starting from the actual combat posture, first lift the left elbow at shoulder level, the elbow is at an angle of about 80 degrees, using the power of the sudden rotation of the waist and shoulder of the body, the upper body turns to the right, but not more than 90 degrees, the arm muscles from relaxation to sudden tension, and then quickly relax, hit the opponent’s right side, at this time the center of gravity shifts to the right foot, and immediately retracts after the blow to return to the actual combat posture.
Notes. (1) When attacking, the fist should not be ready to pull back. (2) Punch out with the left fist and raise the right fist slightly upwards to protect the chin.
(2) Right flat hook (Figure 30)
Essentials: The punching essentials and force methods are roughly the same as the left flat hook.
Both left and right flat hooks can be practiced with the front progression method, that is, the front slide step simultaneously strikes the left flat hook or the right flat hook.
2. Upper hook
The attack and defense of athletes in a boxing match are diverse, which is reflected in adjusting the distance, relying on the flexibility of footwork and accurate judgment. If straight punches and swing punches pay more attention to medium and long-range attacks. Then the upper hook mainly hits the opponent at medium and close range.
The upper hook can deliver both short and long punches. The arms are almost straight when the fist is long. The angle between the upper and forward extensions is greater than 90 degrees, and the angle between the upper and forearms is less than 90 degrees when issuing a short fist. An uppercut punches can be fired to punch the opponent’s upper body (stomach, abdomen, or ribs) when the opponent raises his hands high in a head-defensive position, or when the opponent hits the head and misses.
When the opponent’s upper body is leaned forward in a bent low position, the head can be punched with an upward hook, the fist is facing inward and the fist is upwards.
When the opponent is in an upright position, you should never attack with an upper-hook punch, because this punch is too short and will be met with a straight punch. The upper hook can only be used in the attack when the opponent leans forward, or in conjunction with the combination punch when attacking the opponent.
The power of the upper hook comes from the sudden movement of standing up and turning at the same time at the moment when the fist touches the target. The arm suddenly exerts force to increase the explosive power and speed of the hit.
(1) Upper left hook boxing head (Figure 31)
When the opponent’s body leans forward, the left upper hook punches his head, and when punching, he generally faces the opponent sideways, while raising his right hand for protection, especially the long-distance upper hook punch should pay attention to the sideways in order to lengthen the distance of the punch. At this time, the center of gravity shifts forward, falls on the front leg, and at the moment of the strike, the upper body suddenly turns slightly to the right, while straightening the body and holding the basic posture, the left forearm is bent, and the fist makes a short blow from the bottom up.
Common mistakes when practicing the top left hook boxing head:
(1) When punching from a preparatory position, the left fist strikes without turning the heart inward.
(2) He did not use the leg pedaling and the left position to stretch forward and upwards violently, and only used the strength of the hand to strike.
(3) When punching, the left elbow is pulled too far behind.
(2) Left upper hook boxing upper body (Fig. 32)
This type of punch is used more often in medium and close range attacks. In actual combat, most of them use other punches to attack or feint. After destroying the opponent’s protection, quickly hit the opponent’s upper body abdomen and ribs with the left upper hook. In close combat, you should look for loopholes in the opponent’s upper body protection. In an instant, decisively punch the upper body with a left upper hook. When the fist approaches the target, accelerate and use the power of the abdomen, back, legs, and waist rotation to complete the blow using the explosive power of the muscles of the left arm.
Essentials: Press the ground hard with your left foot and stretch your left leg as straight as possible. The left hip is extended forward and upwards vigorously, and the right heel is turned inward when striking, and the right shoulder should be slightly higher than the left shoulder for a good power stance.
Easy mistakes: (1) The heart of the left fist is not turned upwards when punching.
(2) Bend or flex the hip of the left leg when striking.
Precautions for upper-hook boxing exercises:
(1) On the basis of striking in place, combined with sliding step movement punches to strengthen the accuracy of the strike.
(2) When punching, pay attention to the legs and hips, and do not have chest straightening movements.
(3) The force is short and sufficient.
(3) Right upper hook boxing head (Figure 33)
When the opponent is facing himself and his left or right hand is not paying attention to protect his cheek, he can punch him on the head with a right upper hook. In real combat, it is usually done in place or with a step forward to punch the head with a right upper hook. When punching in place, the legs are straight, the body turns from right to left while the right shoulder is out, the right forearm is rushed up, the fist is facing inward towards you, the fist is up, the left fist protects the head, and the left elbow protects the left side of the body. Step up when sending a right upper hook. Start with the right heel while shifting your weight to your left leg, then your right foot in front of your eyes, near your left leg or behind, with the same body movements as if you were punching in place.
(4) Right upper hook boxing upper body (Fig. 34)
The body movement is the same as the left upper hook boxing head, and the right upper hook punches the upper body while the left hand raises to protect the head. When fighting a right-hand opponent with the left hand in front and the right hand in the back, it is difficult to punch the upper body with the right hand up because the opponent’s left hand blocks the route to the target, and this punch can only be delivered when the opponent raises his left hand.
When the opponent’s body is straight, his body will be exposed to a large gap, and he can fire a right upper hook and hit the upper body from the bottom up along the diagonal line. When striking, the center of gravity of the body can be moved to the left leg or to the right leg, either in place or in step.
