(Lead) Hook

[StickyHands]

What are the differences (pros/cons), if any, between throwing a hook with a horizontal fist and throwing a hook with a vertical fist?

I have been told that the vertical fist hook is safer for the wrist and less likely to cause it to bend and/or break; but other than that, it's just preference between the two styles.

Also, I notice that sometimes when I throw a hook (usually a lead hook) at a padholder it sometimes seems to be scooping around toward me like I'm trying to pull in a pot of poker chips or something. However, this doesn't tend to happen on the heavy bag. Could this be a problem with my form or range, or both? Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

[KenshiRyan]

Horizontal fist = proper technique, it gets newcomers to make a habit of tucking their chin into there shoulder which is a must starting out.

Something about having it vertical tends to open the chin up more especially with newbies.

I tend to use both, depending on which I think will do the most damage/get past the opponents guard.

Use which ever you like just always remember to keep as much of a tight defence as you can at the same time.

[StickyHands]

Thanks for responding to my question Ryan. I agree with you about the horizontal fist giving a better defense for whatever reason. However, I've noticed that the horizontal fist only seems to work for me as a close range hook. If I throw a medium range hook with a horizontal fist the form tends to be terrible, but this doesn't seem to happen with the vertical fist at the medium hook range. Is there a reason for this? Maybe I'm just doing something wrong with my form when throwing the horizontal fist hook at medium range that I don't do with the vertical fist at the same range? Either way it's not a terribly big deal, I could always just throw a horizontal fist hook at close range and then for medium/longer range throw the vertical fist; I was just curious as to what I might be doing wrong, if anything, to make this happen. Thanks for the help!

[KenshiRyan]

Don't worry that sounds about right, I would use a vertical fist hook 99% when at a longer distance it feels more natural when extending it compared to a horizontal fist, and is easier to get power into. Just always choose to use it wisely the fact is hook's are a very dangerous punch to throw not only for who you are throwing it at but yourself throwing it, they open yourself up in a lot areas and are quite easy to anticipate if you haven’t disorientated your opponent.

I find using a horizontal fist to be a lot safer as it keeps me tight and composed, but I would usually only use it at a close range medium max. It would be one I would use with combinations to butter my opponent up and create more opportunities.

Vertical I would use for pure power, I would use it when I feel I have enough control over my opponent that opening up my defense I bit to deliver more damage is a safe enough option.

For me:

Horizontal: Used for combinations, and to break down an opponent’s defense

Vertical: To finish the opponent off or use as a quick shot to the body to slow him down

Hope it helps mate.

[StickyHands]

It does indeed help. I think what you said in the end of your post, about how you use the different hook styles was most helpful. That's pretty much how I use my hooks as well but I never really organized that thought process I don't think.

I was just worried that I may have been doing something wrong when throwing hooks at medium to long range because of the awkward motion that would come of it. But it sounds like that's normal, at least when hooks in that range are thrown with a horizontal fist. I'll try to make more of a conscious decision when using hooks as to what type of hook to throw in certain situations so I can further develop my own preferences and style in that sense. I'll definitely keep an eye on it and talk more with my instructors to see what they think though.

Your posts were definitely helpful though so thanks again!