Lead Hook

How to throw it

Turn the lead hip through and pivot on the lead foot while your arm swings horizontally with the elbow raised roughly level with the fist. Keep the elbow bent at a fixed angle so the whole body delivers the shot rather than the arm swinging loose. Finish with your rear hand tight to the chin to cover the exposed side.

When to use it

The lead hook lands on the side of the head or jaw at close to mid range, and it fits naturally after a straight shot when the opponent's guard is drawn to the centre. It is a sharp way to catch someone stepping in or resetting.

Common mistakes

• Dropping the elbow so the punch turns into a slap with no structure behind it.
• Forgetting to pivot the lead foot, which strips the hip rotation that powers the hook.
• Swinging the arm wide and looping, telegraphing the shot and leaving you off balance.

Combos using this move

• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Cross → Lead Hook → Rear KickIntermediate
• Lead Hook → Rear Low KickEasy
• Jab → Lead Body Hook → Lead Hook → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Lead Check → Cross → Lead HookEasy
• Slip Lead → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Double Jab → Weave Lead → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Body KickIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead HookEasy
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → CrossIntermediate
• Jab → Rear Uppercut → Lead HookIntermediate
• Lead Uppercut → Cross → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Body Cross → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Body Hook → Lead HookIntermediate
• Slip Lead → Cross → Lead HookIntermediate
• Slip Rear → Lead Hook → CrossIntermediate
• Lead Hook → Weave Rear → Cross → Lead HookAdvanced
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Head KickAdvanced
• Cross → Lead Hook → Rear KneeIntermediate
• Lead Hook → Lead Spinning ElbowAdvanced