Another in our boxing series on guiding the shot to the body, this one examines the right hook (or back hook) to the body.

Knowing how to throw a right hook to the body allows you to deliver massive power to a very specific and precise location; the soft tissue under the ribs on the left side of the opponent’s body. It is worth understanding that you are not aiming for the ribs. The rib cage is by design a sturdy structure. For maximum impact, it is far better to take the path of least resistance and hit soft tissue.

In general, and depending on your position in relation to your opponent, this body shot is designed to hit the spot behind the opponent’s protective arm. Accuracy is excellent, but brute force and aggression are the trick in knowing how to get the most out of this crushing body shot.

Before we get into the mechanics of how to throw the right hook to the body, you should keep in mind that this is not a right hook. I’m sure many will decide that this is an uppercut, but in reality it is not. There is a subtle difference between a short-range hook and a short-range uppercut, with the uppercut to the body hitting home in the center of mass. Understand this difference and it will have a positive impact on your body punch skills.

Boxing How To Guide – The Mechanics

  1. From the boxing position, bend your knees to lower your center of gravity. It is simply a duck, which in addition to being a defensive action also acts as a precursor to a blow to the body.

  2. As the duck is being produced, generate an explosive thrust by pushing from the ball of your rear foot. This thrust provides the energy to produce massive upper body rotation (counterclockwise from orthodox posture).

  3. The forward leg flexion (from the duck) allows the necessary amount of hip rotation. Without the flex, your hips will complete perhaps only 25% of the rotation needed to deliver the punch required on impact.

  4. During the rotation, release your rear hand in an arc at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Make sure the hit accelerates towards the target to increase the massive leverage produced during the rotation; this is how you will maximize power.

  5. Return your arm and body to the starting position according to the boxing stance.

Boxing How To Guide – Common Mistakes

  1. Be aware of your scope. Make sure that if you use this punch at a greater distance, the opponent is vulnerable to it. In short, the further away you are from the opponent when using this shot, the greater the risk of you taking a hit before yours lands. Reduce the risk of a long-range ‘bombardment’ with this shot by intervening with a jab before releasing with the hook to the body.

  2. Make the hit direct. Don’t let it go too low, as this leaves a large opening for your opponent to take advantage of (see previous glitch).

  3. As always, make sure your body weight is not propelled forward, which will cause your body weight to be above your front leg. The rule of thumb is never to let the nose go past the front knee line. If you do, you are unbalanced and you are adding power to your opponent’s punches.

And there it is, boxing MyBoxingCoach how to guide in landing the right hook to the body. This is a true fight-ending punch, targeting the spleen and other vital organs. Make a mental note of how you want the impact of the blow to travel as much of the body as possible, which is why throwing the blow at a 45 degree angle is a great, great advantage. Master this shot and it will glide smoothly into your ‘body and head’ combinations with deadly effect.