Left Hook

topic posted Fri, April 23, 2004 - 12:54 PM by  Reason
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Hey all,
Here is something that is causing somewhat of a stir in my gym. When you throw a left hook to the head (or right hook for that matter) what is your preferred fist position? Thumb up and palm facing you or thumb toward you and palm toward the floor?
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Reason
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  • Re: Left Hook

    Fri, April 23, 2004 - 1:11 PM
    Interesting question...

    I go palm towards the floor, myself. What's the consensus like at your gym?
    • Re: Left Hook

      Fri, April 23, 2004 - 2:54 PM
      Well, that's just the problem. We've got half and half. The "taught" way is to have your palm toward the floor, however there are a large group of us that notice that the punches come faster and more powerful when we punch palm facing us. I have also personally noticed that when I punch with my palm toward the floor that I often hit on the outer edge of my glove(ring and pinky finger), however when punching the other way I always get contact with my firt two knuckles. Just thought I'd throw it out there and see what other people are doing.
  • Re: Left Hook

    Fri, April 23, 2004 - 3:49 PM
    well the hook is the hardest to learn!! and the hardest to throw i've split my traning up by enrolling in the boxing guy in my state.just so i can train my boxing with just boxers and not just muay thai guys..the boxer use a palm down and a slight 45 downward in the arm.i like this way it's more inline with the bone and the shoulder.but i've seen it used all types of way i guess what work the best for you just use it.
    Good Luck.
    • Re: Left Hook

      Tue, January 16, 2007 - 3:29 AM
      I use palm to the floor when going for the chin, and more of a palm toward myself when i go for the eye/temple
  • Re: Left Hook

    Wed, May 12, 2004 - 7:26 AM
    my gym insists on thumb up -- better knuckle contact and reduced risk of injury, if one comes out a little sloppy. the pain i felt after throwing a few palm down sans wraps when i was first starting out would seem to back this up.
  • Re: Left Hook

    Sat, May 28, 2005 - 8:00 PM
    i have long debated this to myself, and find either way pretty natural to me altho if a preference is needed i would go with the palm inward method, in my opinion it makes the fist cross the jawline making for a more concussive shot...BAM! take that lol
  • Re: Left Hook

    Sun, July 10, 2005 - 1:16 AM
    I agree that the palm should be facing you, but there is a simple way to look at the issue. Your hook is typically used, or at least best, after you or your opponent has slipped a cross. Your "free" hand should be at your head to block your face/head and your elbow should be down to protect the body, your hips should be rotated with your cross and you on your back leg ball of foot. The most natural, fastest, most powerful hook will come from you raising your elbow to level with your shoulder and fist while rotating your hips back as you return your fist used for the cross. The extra motion to rotate your wrist to make your palm down is wasted at best when the hook is applied in this manner and purpose, but it will also force your fist away from you in some cases. Everyone has an opinion on this and there are times when each manner work best. Good luck debating!
  • Re: Left Hook

    Mon, February 20, 2006 - 12:20 PM
    when i teach it , i teach palm facing u, thumb up like your holding a beer mug. This keeps bones in line, you can naturally strike with the correct knuckles, and u have less chance at injuing ur wrist. But I do admit when im in the middle of a sparring match i catch myself throwing hooks with my palm down( especially if there longer range hooks) It just seems to fire off more naturally that way.

    For great thoughts, teaching ideas, and just a reminder of what the martial arts is really supposed to be about check out www.warriorconcepts.blogspot.com.
  • Re: Left Hook

    Tue, July 24, 2007 - 4:45 PM
    the truth is, both ways work fairly well - They have subtly different charecteristics though so one way or another will often fight one's style better. Palm facing yer face is a bit safer for the knuckles, but it gives up range. Some people feel that palm in is faster, some like palm down for the "pop" - I think I do both, depending on "feel"

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