Lead hook

number

3

stance note

Thrown with the lead hand. Called the “three”. It is a short punch, not a swing.

weight transfer

A sharp turn of the hips and a pivot on the lead foot, with the weight rolling from the lead side toward the rear.

hand path

The elbow stays bent at roughly a right angle and travels in a horizontal arc at about the height of the target. The fist can be palm-down or palm-in; your coach will have a preference.

chin and guard

The rear hand stays at your cheek, and the lead shoulder comes up as the punch turns over.

common mistake

Straightening the arm and swinging from the shoulder, which loses the power and pulls you off balance.

one cue

Turn your body, do not throw your arm.

related combos

• • jab-cross-hook
• • cross-hook
• • hook-body-hook-head