Why do highly credible trainers often disagree with how to best throw a hook?

Question

I've seen advocate of keeping the throwing elbow low, just lifted 4 inches. I've seen advocates saying the throwing arms should be parralel.

I've also seen people say turn the fist and others say don't.

I'm talking about experienced highly qualified trainers teaching different ways.

What is you opinion?

Answer 1

Keeping the elbow low is pretty important. If the elbow is too high you lose a lot of the mechanical advantage/impact energy as you're trying to drive the arm in at an angle (which is also not that great for the additional stress it places on your wrist).  As for turning the fist I'm not so sure. Dad never mentioned that -- just often pointed out to me if a boxer had his elbow too high. I'd suspect that not turning the wrist would be better, again for reasons of keeping everything in line and imparting the maximum force with the minimum risk of damage to yourself.

In any case the key thing (said my Dad a million times) is good footwork so you are well balanced and able to "hit from the floor" -- if you follow me...

Answer 2

I think the key is when the trainer thinks that a hook is best utilized.  

This all depends on the skill / style of the boxer delivering the hook and his opponent.  

Here are some things to consider:

1. The speed / power of the fighter throwing the hook.

2. The weaknesses of the guy being punched.

3. Is the guy receiving the hook a counter-puncher?

4. Is the guy receiving the hook a brawler or a boxer?

You get the idea.........anticipation can play a great part in what a trainer believes should be done in a fight.  

If you have a guy that is an inside fighter you're likely not going to find a trainer that agrees that a hook that keeps the elbows away from the body is a good idea.  Short compact hooks work well for inside / brawler types.  

A guy that uses mobility is more likely to use a hook that has a twist at the end and an arm that is parallel to the floor when the hook makes contact.

Power can be delivered through sheer power or speed.  Again...delivery of a hook depends on the capability of the fighter.

This doesn't even address footwork.  It helps when you can get a guy to walk into a hook.

A credible trainer will access a fighters tools and gage what the fighter is able to do versus a given opponent....of course not all of them agree.  That's what the fight is all about.