Expert: Jack Rose - 3/9/2008

Question
Hi, i need some help on the left hook, my trainer says i should twist my leg to face my opponent as im throwing it, i also read about it, is this something you would teach at your gym. im asking because i watched Frazier and Tyson fights to see if they did it but it didn't seem like it to me, is it because they had to lunge in because their short? or did they just do it too fast for me to notice it?
thank you.

Answer
Hi Sultan,

You do twist your leg during the hook. Your tows will be facing directly sideways when you finish the punch. He is trying to get you to turn your entire body on the punch. All the power from a hook is generated from the rotation of your body. The hook is the hardest punch to learn. But it is also the most dangerous punch in your bag if you throw it correctly.
Those guys your watching fight would sometimes throw their hook without turning their foot but that's because there are times you have to get it off quick and can't fully set up. The faster you try to throw it, the less you will twist your body, especially your foot. You can still throw a strong hook without turning your foot but you HAVE to turn your hips and shoulders for power. Turning your foot would make it the perfect hook. The downside is that when you turn your foot you will have to turn it back to re-set your position. Basically if they threw it at the end of a combination, they would turn it. But if it's in the middle, they are less likely to turn it.

Good Luck

Jackson