The Correct Way To Throw HOOKS in BOXING | Thumb Up or Thumb In

The Correct Way To Throw HOOKS in BOXING | Thumb Up or Thumb In

Boxing 31 Comments

The Correct Way To Throw HOOKS in BOXING | Thumb Up or Thumb In by Tony Jeffries

In this helpful video tutorial uploaded on November 12, 2020, Olympic medallist and former undefeated professional boxer, Tony Jeffries, discusses the age-old debate in boxing – the right way to throw hooks. The video, which has been viewed over half a million times, can be summarized as follows:

Jeffries starts off by demonstrating two forms of throwing a hook. The first method involves having the thumb facing the boxer (“thumb facing me”), while the second method involves the thumb facing upwards during the punch (“thumb facing up”). Jeffries mentions that both methods can generate solid, powerful punches when executed with the correct technique.

He discusses his personal experience, explaining that he used to throw long lead hooks with his thumb facing him as an amateur boxer. However, later in his career, he switched to using thumb-up hooks, as they felt more comfortable. Tony also mentions that the thumb-up technique can reduce rotation in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, potentially reducing the chance of injury.

Interestingly, Jeffries highlights that the right style to use ultimately depends on what feels more comfortable for the individual boxer. He teaches thumb-up hooks because it’s easier on the joints, but emphasizes that both styles are effective. Regardless of the hand position, the most important thing when throwing a hook, according to Jeffries, is the weight transfer from the front foot to the back foot.

In the video description, viewers are invited to ask questions and make suggestions for future video topics. Jeffries also shares links to other boxing-related videos, promising more tips and tricks in future content.

In summary, this video serves as a great resource for aspiring boxers, offering expert advice and instructional guidance on the technique of throwing hooks in boxing.

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Tony Jeffries: A Boxing Legend

Tony Jeffries, born on March 2nd, 1985, is a celebrated English boxer. He overshadows in the Light Heavyweight division. His dedication to boxing led him to win seven national championships in England. In 2008, he brought glory to his country by winning a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics. After an inspiring career, Tony retired in 2012 due to hand injuries. Today, he continues to inspire countless individuals, imparting his knowledge and passion in boxing through his boxing and fitness training gym. Indeed, Tony Jeffries remains a figure of inspiration and resilience in the world of boxing.

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Classical vs Modern Boxing Training

In classical boxing training, the focus was primarily on technique and stamina, with boxers spending countless hours mastering their footwork, punches, and defense. Training sessions often consisted of long, grueling hours of shadow boxing, bag work, and sparring.

On the other hand, modern boxing training incorporates a more holistic approach. It not only stresses technical skills but also includes strength and conditioning training, nutritional planning, and mental preparation. Modern boxers make use of advanced equipment and technology, allowing for more efficient and targeted training sessions. This shift represents a broader understanding of what truly makes a complete, world-class fighter.

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A Brief History of Boxing

The sport of boxing dates back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks included boxing in the original Olympic Games in 688 BC. Modern boxing, governed by the Queensbury rules, originated in the 19th century, giving birth to the sport that we know today. It has evolved over centuries, from bare-knuckle fights to highly regulated matches.

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31 Comments

  1. As a short guy who has to constantly spar taller guys, thumb up hooks will usually land on their shoulders where as thumb in won’t. But I like it thumb up. Just can’t land it upstairs against much taller guys. Lol

  2. Filipino boxers mostly throw their hooks thumbs in. Idk why. Maybe because It has more knuckle and force in it.

    Me, I kinda mix both. Thumbs up for long hook and thumbs in for short hook.

  3. Love your answer. This is the same answer that I teach my clients. At first I teach them thumb up, but later on will show them thumb towards them. I tell them to try both and see what works for them.
    Personally I prefer thumb up because I get a lot more power, but because of a shoulder injury, I've had to start doing thumb towards me. Otherwise, it aggravates my shoulder a lot.

  4. Are hooks about placement rather than power? I'm getting it so wrong, I'm training for mma, I just can't get the hook right on stand up.

  5. I see your thumbs up/inward position and raise you: Thumb downwards positon. This is somehow what I end up doing most of the time since my hooks always tend to be thrown at a longer distance than would be ideal, so it ends up kinda like an overheadpunch. One of these days I will probably hurt my elbow real bad because it locks out when I stretch my arm too far. But so far it seems to work somewhat in hitting around the block from a safer distance.

  6. I throw thumb up, and generate a lot more power and speed. However when I throw thumb up my body can’t seem to handle it and I’ll get a pain in my joints. I’m guessing I need to strengthen those areas to manage the impact.

  7. That is not the correct answer
    The referee will warn you when you throw from far but up close thumbs up punch is more preferable, you are not allowed yo slap so thumbs up punch from mid range or long range will be seen as a slap and In self defence tutorials slap is used for knocking someone out ,

  8. I think thumb towards you is better because the full rotation engages the internal pecs more. The opposite shoulder pecs and shoulder is better connected too.

  9. to me personally, the answer to this question relies on where you're punching at:
    head and any alike high punch would be thumb facing sideways, while any other punch would be thumb facing up

  10. Self-proclaimed boxing purists in your gym would always tell you it's thumbs in hook but when you spar them, they will do thumbs facing up hooks. That's what I notice.

  11. I came into boxing after years as a martial artist. In martials arts it was elbow high so thumb facing you. In sparring I like both but in larger gloves and especially on heavier bags it has always been thumb up. I totally agree about the risk of injury being higher with thumb in but I do believe its the larger gloves that change things. You gave a great answer without giving an answer, superb video thank-you.

  12. I like to throw thumb up. I've always found it easier to get that little whip on the end of the hook this way. There is a fantastic video from tom yankello with roy jones jr showing the benefits of throwing it this way.
    That said, watch the way GGG throws his hooks (thumb in) with crazy power!

  13. Is there a weight transfer video? I'm struggling with my feet and my front foot lifting at the end like yours. I can lift my back foot but I'm confused what you are doing with the front foot

  14. I’ve owned a few speed bags in my life and this is the best. I do have to add a little air every couple weeks but I’m fine with that. It’s well balanced and and just the speed I like. Highly recommended.

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