The bell rings, and I walk back to my corner, sweat dripping, body bruised, and frustrated at how my sparring match is going.
It is only sparring, but I can’t figure out my rhythm; every time I try to set up my attack, I get pushed back by my opponent.
He keeps coming forward relentlessly; I try meeting him at impact, but he’s just a better inside fighter than me, honestly.
My coaches are yelling, “stay long, stay long, keep him on the outside, and use the ring!”
It worked until he realized all I was trying to do was play keep-away until he got tired, but he never got tired. He was like an energizer bunny, batteries included; it was ridiculous.
The next round begins, and I’m in the storm all over again.
It wasn’t until I was shelled up in the corner of the ring for the 100th time and I had nowhere to go, I threw a check left hook with a pivot and turned my opponent into the ropes.
He fell off balance face-first into the corner, and as he caught himself and turned around, I started working my offense, landing an overhand right and a hook to the body!
I heard the gym go Ohhhhhhh! He was on defense for the first time, in that moment I learned a very important lesson.
You have to use fighters forward momentum against themselves, and, stay away from fighters that like to come forward, call in sick that day, they are a hand full.
Here are some quick tips on some basics for you to be successful using the check hook. With some notable pros who have had success.
You will be surprised who makes the list.
What Is The Check Left Hook?
This is a counter punch used against an aggressive fighter coming forward. Using timing, speed, and footwork.
In the name Check left hook, checking your opponent is exactly what you will do. You keep them honest and at bay.
You make it hard for them to come straight in and don’t let them forget to keep their hands up.
Resetting Your Opponent
This is like a regular left hook but sharper, faster, and tighter.
You use these attributes to reset or disrupt an advancing fighter’s rhythm.
It is a punch to reset an aggressive opponent. Aggressive fighters are susceptible to this punch because they lead with their head to get on the inside.
They are like a bull and you are the matador.
This also is a punch just to keep your opponent on guard. Alot of fighters leave their hands down or get tired and get caught when thrown at the right time.
Combining Offense & Defense
A perfect blend, and opportunity to mention, a good offense can be a good defense and vice versa!
Primarily, this is an offensive move used for defense but that can all change in a second with a quick pivot as you throw the check hook simultaneously. Positioning yourself into offense.
Timing & Speed
Time your opponent’s straight punches, a fast opponent can be beaten if you can time them correctly.
If they throw a jab aim for their chin, hopefully, they have their opposite hand down, if they throw a straight right hand, aim over their punch to catch their chin exposed.
How To Throw A Check Hook
Throwing a check hook sounds easy, and that’s because anything that sounds easy is not. But it is alot of fun to learn!
Mechanics
From the bottom up, you start in your basic boxing stance. Think of a regularly thrown left hook, now speed up the movement of the punch.
Pivoting the front foot, the left side of your body comes around with the punch, and pow lands the left hook.
The faster the better, think of a whip and how it loops around and at the end snaps and comes back. You know what I’m talking about, all those butt whoopings you got for getting into fights at school, you member!
Imitate that whipping motion with your punch.
How To Combine Timing & Speed
Timing is your speed, you don’t need to be the fastest puncher or the hardest hitting fighter.