Open-Stance Lead Hook
The blind punch in an open stance.
In an open stance the lead hook travels outside the opponent's field of vision and lands behind their lead shoulder, the exact spot their rear hand cannot cover in time.
The signature open-stance weapon of every elite southpaw counter-puncher.
The breakdown
- 1
Win the lead-foot battle
Step your lead foot outside theirs. No outside foot, no angle, no hook.
- 2
Pressure the hand
Post or paw their lead hand down so their rear hand has to travel further to defend.
- 3
Turn the hip, not the arm
The hook is a pivot. Rotate on the ball of the lead foot and let the arm ride the rotation at shoulder height.
- 4
Land and reset off-line
Immediately pivot again away from their power hand so the counter passes through empty space.
Drills
Foot-fight only
Partner, no punches · 4 x 2 min
Score a point every time you get the outside foot position.
Hand-post to hook
Pad work · 5 x 2 min
Post the mitt down, hook the far pad on the same beat.
Pivot-out sparring
Light spar · 3 x 3 min
You are only allowed to land the lead hook and must pivot after every one.
Common mistakes
- · Throwing from a square stance - the punch becomes visible and short.
- · Dropping the rear hand on the pivot.
- · Standing still after landing instead of pivoting out.
Corner cues
- “Outside foot”
- “Pressure the hand”
- “Turn and out”
Short cues only. In a live round a fighter can act on three words, not three sentences.
More striking
Educational content from Cruz Control MMA. Train under qualified supervision; nothing here is medical advice.