[kandy]

First Strike day 7 hook

The hooks in the images of day 7 are always done with the front hands. Am I supposed to practice it with my front hand only, or both the front and the rear?

I am asking this because on day 9 in the uppercut + hook combo the hook is done from the rear side. Am I supposed to just do the rear hand hook without ever practicing it before on day 7?

 

[BrianD]

Not sure of the intent here, however in MCMAP it's taught that a hook is primarily an off (front) hand punch. A hook/uppercut combo I would do front/rear then switch stances halfway through the set. Just my two cents

 

[Damer]

Not sure of the intent here, however in MCMAP it's taught that a hook is primarily an off (front) hand punch. A hook/uppercut combo I would do front/rear then switch stances halfway through the set. Just my two cents

Putting aside for a moment the fact that this is a fitness workout that utilizes combat moves let's address what you just said because it's a good question.

Yes, a hook is primarily thrown with the lead hand because A. It's faster and B. It's safer for the fighter. These two considerations also play a role in the few times a back hand hook is required. A switch of the feet to change stance is a beat of time. That's the beat of time that a hook from the back hand would use to land. So, technically, by switching you have missed the window of opportunity, virtually doubled the delivery time of the hook and also, arguably, telegraphed your intent to an opponent so they can counter or move beyond your reach (and a hook is a short-distance punch).

In boxing both are practised so that the biomechanics are there and the brain/muscle connection can be worked on, otherwise a hook from the back hand will never happen. When it comes to combat sports everything is about time, timing and energy efficiency. Being able to deliver blows with either hand is just proficiency and training your body to casually move this way is an awesome way to build good, kinetic fitness and also confidence in how you move your body. I hope this helps, explain the intent better.

 

[Damer]

The hooks in the images of day 7 are always done with the front hands. Am I supposed to practice it with my front hand only, or both the front and the rear?

I am asking this because on day 9 in the uppercut + hook combo the hook is done from the rear side. Am I supposed to just do the rear hand hook without ever practicing it before on day 7?

Great question. It's a 7-day Program so there is an inherent limitation when it comes to practising a variation as opposed to introducing a new movement. Hopefully the video plus your own experience from having done the front hook (and, I hope, other combat workouts in the past) will help you here.

We also have a handy (and brand-new) exercise library that demonstrates the front hook and the back hook. I hope this helps but please feel free to ask for any clarification.

Hooks | DAREBEE

Take a fighting stance with your fists up in guard. Bend one arm to roughly 90 degrees, raise the elbow to shoulder height, and swing the fist horizontally across your body - pivoting on the...

darebee.com

 

[kandy]

Hi @Damer thank you for your answers.

For me the front hook is harder than the back hook. The back hook has a larger range of motion so it's like when I turn my hip and torso to initiate the strike my rear arm actually have enough range of motion to travel. They reach the destination at the same time.

When it comes to the front hook it feels like my arm and body isn't in sync and the power isn't delivered well. My body finishes turning before my arm finish the strike. If I shorten the time my arm travels it feels like I am not punching but just moving it. It's extremely tempting to move my arm away from the guarding position before I do the front hook. What do you think?

Also, the gym I go teaches the hook to be done horizontally, so when I finish the strike my fist is at the same level of my elbow, instead of lower which is what your video shows. What do you think about that?

Thanks!

 

[Damer]

Hi @Damer thank you for your answers.

For me the front hook is harder than the back hook. The back hook has a larger range of motion so it's like when I turn my hip and torso to initiate the strike my rear arm actually have enough range of motion to travel. They reach the destination at the same time.

When it comes to the front hook it feels like my arm and body isn't in sync and the power isn't delivered well. My body finishes turning before my arm finish the strike. If I shorten the time my arm travels it feels like I am not punching but just moving it. It's extremely tempting to move my arm away from the guarding position before I do the front hook. What do you think?

Also, the gym I go teaches the hook to be done horizontally, so when I finish the strike my fist is at the same level of my elbow, instead of lower which is what your video shows. What do you think about that?

Thanks!

Technically, on a front arm hook, the lead foot and hip turn a split second before the shoulder and arm to position the body, deliver the power and then the arm follows through. It's always a case of repetition. Do enough of them and your body will find its groove.

As far as form is performed the perfect hook follows in a parallel to the perpendicular line of the floor. What your gym teaches is technically sound. Having done this several hundred thousands times over the years my body flows naturaly on what I find works best for me. Every fighter adapts the technique to their specific physical attributes. So follow the advice they give you until the technique is uniquely your own. This is splitting hairs though. You're moving your body for fitness, you're not going to go rounds in a ring. (I hope).

 

[kandy]

Thanks for the answers.

About going into the ring I am not sure but probably no. WOULDN'T like my head taking blows, although last time I had fun sparring with a girl partner, just hitting the body lightly, no attacking the head.