Step back and place a left hook

Step back and place a left hook: step by step

1. Watch the opponent come forward in a straight line.
2. Go with their momentum and step back so their punches miss.
3. Throw the left hook at the same moment your back foot touches the floor.
4. Place the hook where they're stepping in, then return to your guard.

Step back and place a left hook: key points

• Don't leave a break between stepping back and punching. When the back foot lands at the same time as the hook, the opponent has no time to react.
• Don't swing the hook. Think of placing it where the opponent is moving to. They walk into it, so their own forward momentum adds to how hard it lands.
• When you step back, don't lean your upper body back. Keep your guard and move with your feet.

Step back and place a left hook: common mistakes

• Landing, then waiting a beat before throwing the hook. The opponent has time to stop, and the hook hits air.
• Leaning back as you step back. Your weight stays on your back side and you lose the base for turning the left hook.

Step back and place a left hook: how to practice

• In shadowboxing, repeat the step back and the left hook as one movement. Check that the sound of your back foot landing lines up with the hook.
• On the heavy bag, push the bag so it swings, step back as it comes back toward you, and land the left hook as your foot lands.

Moves in this technique

• Step back
  Step back

Related techniques

• Step back
  Step back
• Step back, then jab as they follow (vs. their one-two)
  Step back1
• Step back to draw them in, then right cross
  Step back2
• Throw the hook with your shoulder (open the door)
  Turn the shoulder
• Bait the counter, don't wait for it
  Bait and counter
• Two-three (cross, left hook)
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