A good body punch is one of the most important elements of boxing and the right hook to the body is one of the most effective punches. This punch allows you to deliver tremendous power to a specific target the soft area below the ribs on the left side of your opponent’s body. Knowledge of the mechanics and how this punch is delivered can go a long way in improving your boxing skills.
When delivering a right hook to the body, the target is not the ribs but the area just below them. The rib cage is a rather rigid structure whose purpose is to shield the internal organs, so it might be ineffective to aim at it directly. However, by targeting the softer areas, you take the path of least resistance, thus achieving the maximum impact and suffering by the opponent.
This body punch is usually delivered to land behind the guard arm of your opponent. Although power is important, force and intent are also important factors in maximizing the effectiveness of your punch. The right hook to the body is not the same as a right hook to the head; there are slight differences that can greatly affect your punching power.
Technique of the Right Hook to the Body
- Begin in the basic boxing position. Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity, and do the ducking movement. This is not only a defensive move but also prepares the body for a counterblow of great force.
- Swing your back leg forward and push off the ball of your back foot to generate power. This push results in a huge circular motion of the upper body (clockwise from the orthodox stance).
- During the duck, the front leg should be bent to accommodate the required hip turn. If this bend is not made, the hips cannot rotate enough, and a lot of the force for the punch is lost.
- When you turn, let go of your rear hand in a semi-circle motion in the direction of the target. Make sure the punch moves towards the target with the force that is produced from the body’s rotation.
- After the punch, retract your arm and body back to the boxing stance that was at the beginning of the move.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Make sure that you are within range of your opponent when delivering this punch. If used at a longer range, it becomes possible to be countered. Throw a jab to get closer before delivering the body hook.
- Do not allow the punch to swing too low as this puts you in a vulnerable position to be countered. Keep a straight and controlled flight path.
- Maintain your body weight. Do not lean forward on your front foot as this will compromise your balance and the force behind your punch. Remember the golden rule: never let your nose go beyond the front of your knee when you are in a squat.
The right hook to the body is one of the most devastating punches in boxing and learning how to throw it right can make you a dangerous fighter. This punch aims at the spleen and other internal organs and is very powerful. It is recommended to throw the punch at an angle of 45 degrees for the best impact. As you get used to it, you will be able to incorporate this punch into your combinations and make devastating head-and-body combinations.