Far too often I see people throw a hook and then find they cannot double up on it, because they have transferred too much of their weight to the opposite side. That mistake makes the catch and counter all too easy to use against them. This short video lesson looks at that problem from both sides.

It is for boxers, kickboxers and self-defence students who want to defend the hook better, and who want to make sure their own hooks do not leave them open.

Why Too Much Weight Transfer Is a Problem

A good hook gets its power from the hips and the legs, not from swinging the arm. But there is a difference between turning through the punch and throwing yourself after it. If all your weight ends up on the other side, you are stuck there. You cannot throw a second hook, you cannot defend easily, and you are a sitting target for the counter.

Of course, if your hooks are landing on target, it does not matter how much weight you have transferred. The problem is when they miss or get caught.

The Catch and Counter

When an opponent overcommits on a hook, they give you time. You catch the hook on your guard, and while they are still stuck on the far side, you counter. Because their weight has gone, they cannot easily follow up or get back into position.

A few things to watch:

  • Keep your guard tight, with the elbow in and the glove by your head
  • Keep your chin down so the catch protects you properly
  • Counter straight away, while they are still off balance
  • Do not reach for the hook, let it come to you

Fixing Your Own Hook

Look at your own hooks honestly. After you throw one, can you throw another straight away with the same hand or the other one? If not, you are probably transferring too much weight. Turn through the punch, but stay balanced enough to keep going.

How to Practise It

Drill this with your training partner. One throws hooks, the other catches and counters, starting slowly and building up. Then swap. If you are training alone, visualise the opponent on the heavy bag and check that you can always double up on your hooks without falling off balance.

Take It Further

Defence and counters are covered in detail in the Learn To Box Online Course. If you prefer to learn from DVDs, The Boxing Series is the place to go.