The shovel hook is a punch you really should take the time to learn well. In this video lesson I show how I teach it and give tips for improving it. It suits boxers, martial artists and anyone who wants a strong short-range punch for self-defence.

Roberto Duran was one of the best at throwing this shot, and it is worth studying how the great inside fighters used it. Done for self-defence to the liver, it is a true fight finisher.

What the Shovel Hook Is

The shovel hook sits between a hook and an uppercut. The elbow stays lower and closer to the body than in a normal hook, and the fist travels on an upward angle into the target. It is a mid-range to close-range punch, which makes it ideal when someone is right in front of you and there is no room for a long shot.

Because the arm stays tucked in, you keep your guard and you are not swinging wide. That makes it hard to see coming.

Where the Power Comes From

Like every good punch, the shovel hook gets its power from the legs and hips, not the arm. A few points I look for:

  • Bend the knees a little and drop your weight before you throw
  • Drive up and turn through the hips, so the body lifts the punch
  • Keep the elbow close and the arm fairly compact
  • Keep the other hand up, protecting your head
  • Punch through the target, not at the surface

The most common mistake I see is people trying to muscle it with the shoulder. It looks busy but it has no real weight behind it. The second is dropping the opposite hand, which leaves you wide open.

Targets and Safety

In boxing the shovel hook is a body punch, aimed under the ribs or at the side of the body. In self-defence the liver on the right side of the body is the classic target. A good shot there can take the legs away from someone very quickly, which is exactly why you must train it with control.

Work it on the heavy bag and on body pads first. When you practise with a partner, keep the power right down, use body protection and agree the pace beforehand. You are training the movement and the angle, not trying to hurt your training partner. In a real situation, the law allows reasonable force only, so the aim is always to stop the threat and get away.

Take It Further

To build all your punches from the ground up, look at the Learn To Box Online Course. If you want more impact from short-range strikes like this one, Power Black goes into striking power in depth.