How To Throw A Body Hook

The Breakdown

The key to throwing a full-powered hook is ensuring you fully torque/twist your body while you throw. If your body weight isn't distributed evenly (standing normally, opposed to having one leg extended forward) then you can't achieve a full-powered hook. This is why many body hooks are underwhelming. Depending on your reach you may be required to step closer to your opponent to throw your body hook properly.

Don't have the reach to throw a body hook from a safe distance? Gabriel explains how you can extend, then shrink your stance to gain a better position to throw your hook. This position change also allows you to pre-load your hook as you move, giving you a full-powered torque/twist as you throw.

Technique Overview

• Knees bent
• Slight twist to pre-load
• Unwind body
• Keep elbow in line with hand
• Close distance
• Extend stance then shrink

About The Series

The Striking Basics series is all about the fundamentals. Gabriel Varga and Hayabusa developed this series to provide value to all fitness combat practitioners. Whether you have aspirations to compete or not, this series is for you. We cover a range of techniques, such as the Jab, Cross, Hook, Breathing, kicks, and more. If you're a coach who wants to inspire students to have a stronger grasp on the fundamentals, consider sharing this series.