Lead Hook
- Striking
- Punches
- intermediate
- Orthodox stance
- 3 steps
A short horizontal lead-hand punch that turns through the side of the target on the pivot of the hips. Also known as the Left hook (orthodox) or the Mud Wiang San. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
Step by step
- 01
Set your stance
Stay compact, weight centred.
- 02
Turn the hook over
Lift the lead elbow to shoulder height and whip the fist horizontally across, pivoting the lead foot and turning the hip into it.
- 03
Recover to guard
Snap the hand straight back to your chin and reset your stance, never leave it out.
Key details
- Power is in the pivot, foot, hip and shoulder turn as one.
- Keep the elbow bent ~90° so it is a hook, not a swing.
- Rear hand stays at the chin throughout.
Common mistakes
- Winding the arm back and telegraphing.
- Dropping the lead shoulder and exposing the chin.
- Swinging a straight arm instead of turning a bent one.
Related techniques
- JabStrikingThe lead-hand straight punch, your range-finder, rhythm-setter and the setup for everything else.
- CrossStrikingThe rear-hand straight punch, your primary power shot, driven by rotating the hip and pivoting the rear foot.
- Rear HookStrikingA power hook from the rear hand, turning the whole body to land on the side of the head.
- Lead UppercutStrikingA short rising lead-hand punch up the centre, ideal inside the pocket against a high guard.
- Rear UppercutStrikingA rising rear-hand punch up the centre, driven by a small dip and a powerful leg drive.
- OverhandStrikingA looping rear-hand power punch that arcs over the opponent’s guard and crashes down on the head.
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