How to Throw a Left Hook (Literally and Metaphorically)
An economical blow that originates on the Left and can land with surprising power
by Mickey Z.
 Contrary to popular opinion, cinematic fisticuffs, and fighters with poor fundamentals, the hook is not a wide, looping punch that originates somewhere in left field and leaves the puncher exposed.
They call it a "hook" precisely because your arm position should resemble a hook: a 90-degree angle at the elbow with your palm facing down at the point of impact.
Some Basics Direct From My Latest Book:
* Tuck your chin down into your left shoulder.
* Pivot your hips, waist, and front left foot in the direction of the
punch: torque your whole left side. This will generate power without
expending too much energy or movement.
* The hook can be
thrown as part of a combination (e.g. jab-cross-hook or jab-hook) or as
a single punch to catch an opponent who's on the attack.
* Mix up your targets: Hook to the head, the body, or double up.
" When using a left hand leading stance," says Michael Margulies, owner of East Side MMA in New York City, "your left hook is essentially thrown outside of your opponent's vision." Using a right hook in such a stance can leave you wide-open for a counter. The hook is an economical blow that, when executed properly, has the full force of your body weight behind it and is awfully tough to see coming. Margulies concludes: "It is a knockout blow that can stop a charging opponent in his or her tracks and change the momentum of any battle."
Hmm...is that metaphor I smell brewing?
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