How To Hook Punch With Hurricane Power in Boxing, Kickboxing or MMA

Boxing Basics: How To Make Your Hook Punch Hurricane Powerful
by John D. Nottingham Certified Boxing Coach, K3 Kickboxing Phoenix Phoenix USA Martial Arts & Kickboxing


So You Want To Throw a Thundering Hook Boxing Punch...
A good hook punch is an essential tool in your boxing or kickboxing striking arsenal.  The key to any punch, including the boxing or kickboxing hook punch, is the stance.  Powerful strikes are built on a good foundation of mechanics, balance and proper weight shift.


How NOT to Throw a Hook Punch
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Throw-a-Hook-Punch-314102744
Notice the common error of dipping, looping or swooping the hand down away from the jaw-line then into the punch.  Not only does this telegraph the strike, it makes it less efficient and leaves the jaw unprotected for longer than necessary.  While this coach appears to be fit and athletic, his technique could improve significantly with some basic coaching corrections.

Using the arm, shoulder and neck and the proverbial "I'm hitting hard" wanna-be Rocky face for your power in a hook punch is a waste of valuable energy.  You'll know you're probably throwing a good hook when you mostly feel it in your core, the abdominal muscles, lower back and the legs.  Concentrate on the whip of the weight shift and proper alignment of your musculoskeletal structure.

You can't judge a book by it's cover.  This is how to properly throw a hook punch.

How to throw a thundering hook punch by World Champion and Master John Graden.

The great Freddie Roach [Considered one of the greatest boxing trainers alive today.]

"If a good hook misses, the elbow lands." 
-Freddie Roach, coach of Manny Pacquiao

The short hook punch step by step*:

1. The hook punch's power is derived from the ground up so start in a good stance
2. The lead foot pivots 90 degrees to facilitate rotation
3. The weight shifts to the back foot in a whipping motion
4. The short hook hand leaves the chin and goes directly into the angle for punch in the shortest route possible while avoiding dipping, looping or swooping.  
5. Hooking arm is at 90 degrees with the elbow directly in line with the fist
6. Strike through the target by rotating the torso past the point of impact. Aim for a spiral whipping action.  (Note that punching with a boxing glove, MMA glove, bare fist may require you to change the position of the hand to best connect with the optimal striking surface. 
7. Keep your eyes forward and chin tucked in the shoulder
8. Try to pop it with speed rather than kill it with power 
9. Coil like a snake and snap through explosively
10. Return the hand to guard position to protect the chin with the elbow in to protect the body.

 * Note: this is only one type of hook punch.  It has numerous variations.

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My preference is to throw the hook punch with a vertical fist.  This suits me as a martial artist as I do not want to count on having a boxing glove on to prevent damaging my hand.  The horizontal fist is at higher risk for boxers fracture (the breaking of the small bones of the hand).  I also like to practice the strike with an open hand palm to have that as an option that protects the metacarpals.  Striking the skull can be quite destructive to the small bones of the hand.

Whatever method or variation of the hook punch you choose, the important thing to remember is that it should suit your goals, needs and the situation.