One-two-hook (jab, cross, left hook)

One-two-hook (jab, cross, left hook): step by step

1. Extend the left jab straight out.
2. Rotate your hips and throw the right cross. Don't throw it all the way through. Hold back enough that you can bring your body back.
3. As you turn your hips back the other way from the right cross, raise your left elbow and throw the left hook from the side.
4. Bring both hands back in front of your chin and reset your guard.

One-two-hook (jab, cross, left hook): key points

• This is also a repetition drill for adding sideways rotation on purpose, so your attack doesn't lean too heavily on straight punches.
• Keep the right cross in the middle at about 70% power, and save some load for the final left hook.
• Don't swing the left hook with your arm. Put your shoulder into the rotation of your hips turning back.

One-two-hook (jab, cross, left hook): common mistakes

• Throwing the right cross all the way through at full power. Your body drifts forward and there's no rotation left for the left hook.
• Dropping your elbow on the left hook and swinging only your arm. The path gets big and the punch has no power.
• Leaving your face square in front of the opponent after the third punch. That makes it easy to get hit by their right coming back.

One-two-hook (jab, cross, left hook): how to practice

• In shadowboxing, go slowly and feel your hips switch from the right cross into the left hook. Once you're used to it, speed up.
• On the heavy bag, hold back on the right cross and hit hard with only the left hook, repeating that contrast in power.

Related techniques

• One-two (jab, cross)
  12
• One-two-hook (light, light, full)
  123
• Soft one-two-hook (change the rhythm)
  123
• Throw the middle punches at 70%
  Keep your base
• Throw the hook with your shoulder (open the door)
  Turn the shoulder
• One-two-hook, then pivot
  123Pivot