Rear Body Hook
Punches · Rear side (Orthodox right, Southpaw left)
Hook into the body off the rear hand, dug in under the elbows at close range.
How to throw it
Get in close, bend at the knees, and turn the rear hip through to dig the hook up under the opponent's elbows into the body. Keep the elbow raised and the arc short so the punch stays powerful at close range. Cover with the lead hand and stay balanced so you can keep working after it lands.
When to use it
The rear body hook is a close-range digger meant for the inside, slipping under the elbows to punish the midsection. Use it when you are already tight to the opponent and want to break their body down or set up a shot upstairs.
Common mistakes
- Trying to throw it from range, where the rear body hook has no leverage and simply misses.
- Not pivoting the rear foot and hip, so the punch lands with the arm's strength only.
- Lifting your head or dropping the lead guard while you dig, exposing you to the counter.