How to throw the Left Hook properly to prevent Injury

[cocobeware]

So a orthodox left hook left hook is thrown with elbow up so the forearm is parallel to the floor palm facing down and follow through with the elbow until the shoulder covers the chin ?
I used to do it like that as that was how i was taught but i used to always hurt my shoulder blade so i started lowering the elbow and found i got much more power,It was like it brought my bodyweight more into the punch.I also dont follow throught with the elbow as i find i cant get the same snap and again it can cause me pain in my shoulder blade.I usually dont come past half way with it.
So my question is should i go back to the way i was taught or do it the way i find more comfortable.
What is the correct way to throw the left hook?

[Chris Nagel]

Your elbow should be in line with your shoulders when you land the left hook. If your elbow is too far back when you land it, there will be too much leverage on your shoulder (Think about an arm-bar submission from wrestling). Your arm can't go back any more, and therefore your shoulder absorbs a lot of force causing that familiar twinge of pain.

Another thing you should remember is that you don't want your fist to go past your chin because then you would lose power. At the end of the movement you want to pull you right shoulder back, and then immediately get your arm into position to land your hook.

[Scrap]

Chris gave a very good discription there.

[cocobeware]

Sorry to bump this post again but im still having some problems with this.

The problem seems to be when im trying to hook high ie: higher than my own shoulder level i sometimes feel a pinch in my shoulder blade.

Any ideas what i might be doing wrong?

[Peter Som]

There are many contributing factors, thus, there are equally as many questions. So I'll ask one of the most important. What kind of shape are you in?

[nikola_ganchev]

Do you work on a desk and do you make alot of bench/biceps exercises? Do you have internal rotation of the hands at rest? This type of pinching can be result of weak scapula retractors...

[cocobeware]

Thanks guys i'm begining to think that it was down to being a little bit out of shape and throwing with the arm and not getting the legs and hips ect moving first.

I will work on it some more however i came across this video and thought it was quite a good explanation of the mechanics of the left hook what you guys think ?

[cocobeware]

This is also quite interesting although im not quite sure what the purpose of the towel is?

[donnydarkoIRL]

This is also quite interesting although im not quite sure what the purpose of the towel is?

If this guy misses he's in a lot of trouble.

[greynotsoold]

Both videos, if followed, would make it pretty hard to hit somebody with a hook, telegraphing it like that. In my estimation, you want to get your weight turned in front of the punch. The way the first guy is throwing it, there is less whip and more shove.

[cocobeware]

Would anyone consider posting their own version of a left hook tutorial video ?

[Peter Som]

This is the man to which I've learned everything about boxing from the start. He's extremely concise and thorough. He's also Britain's own! His name is Fran Sands, I've had the distinct pleasure of speaking to him personally, great great man, couldn't be a better example of a humble and helpful coach.

He has three videos on the left hook: Short, mid, and long ranged. All very helpful, here's the short ranged left hook to start you off.

[Gray Lion]

You got some great advice from those who answered. We always equated throwing the hook with "laying your arm on a shelf" Horizontal even, and not past the your chin. But for your own training and to prevent injury, you need a coach or another boxer proficient in throwing the hook, to watch you, and give a critique.

[Scrap]

Basics with a Novice,